Social Influence: Minority Influence

Question 1

Define Minority Influence:

Answer 1

A form of social influence where minority persuade majority to change their behaviour and beliefs

Question 2

The process of change will occur if minority influence show…

Answer 2

1. Consistent
2. Commitment
3. Flexibility

Question 3

Define Consistency

Answer 3

Synchronic: Everyone saying the same thing
Diachronic: Saying the same thing over time

Question 4

Define Commitment:

Answer 4

Making personal sacrifices and taking part in extreme activities to raise awareness

Question 5

Define Flexibility:

Answer 5

Being open to compromise

Question 6

Evaluate Minority Influence:

Answer 6

\+ Supporting evidence for consistency 
\+ Research support for depth of thought 
\+ Research support for internalisation 
- Artificial tasks 
- Limited real world application

Question 7

Evaluate Minority Influence:

+ Supporting evidence for consistency

Answer 7

Moscovici’s study showed consistent minority opinion had a greater effect on other people than an inconsistent opinion

Question 8

Evaluate Minority Influence:

+ Research support for depth of thought

Answer 8

Martin et el
Group A: given message by minority group
Group B: given message by majority group
Measured to which extent they agreed
Both group given conflicting view
Group A less willing to change their original view
Suggests minority message had been more deeply processed

Question 9

Evaluate Minority Influence:

+ Research support for internalisation

Answer 9

Moscovici
Pps allowed to write answers down so no one knew what they put
Still agreed with minority
Internalisation had occurred
Supports minority influence can bring about change

Question 10

Evaluate Minority Influence:

- Artificial tasks

Answer 10

Slide task
unlikely to occur in real world
low external validity

Question 11

Evaluate Minority Influence:

- Limited real world application

Answer 11

Based on the only difference between minority and majority is numbers
In real world majority have more power and a bigger platform