LS13 - Social Change

Question 1

Social Change

Answer 1

When society adopts new beliefs that become the norm, the new beliefs usually come from a minority

Question 2

Steps In Minority Influence Creating Social Change

Answer 2

Drawing Attention
Staying Consistent
Deeper Processing
The Augmentation Principle
The Snowball Effect
Social Cryptoamensia

Question 3

Snowball Effect

Answer 3

The majority moves towards minority and they gradually pick up momentum converting more of the majorities until the minority becomes the majority..

Question 4

Social Cryptoamensia

Answer 4

The changed attitude/opinion becomes a normal part of society’s culture, until the source is generally forgotten.

Question 5

The Augmentation Principle

Answer 5

If a minority appears willing to suffer for their views they’re more committed and are taken seriously.

Question 6

Advantages

Answer 6

Research Support

Question 7

Research Support

Answer 7

Nolan (2008) investigated whether social influence led to a reduction in the consumption of energy, he hung messages on the doors of houses in San Diego every week for one month, saying most mans were reducing their energy usage, and a control group had some saying just to save energy, the control group showed less decrease in energy usage showing social change through NSI.

Question 8

Disadvantages

Answer 8

Nemeth (1986)
Deeper Processing
Bashir Et Al (2013)

Question 9

Nemeth (-)

Answer 9

Argued minority influence are likely to be most indirect and delayed because the main effect may not be seen for time, showing that its effects are fragile and role limited

Question 10

Deeper Processing

Answer 10

Doesn’t always happen with a minority influence suggesting Moscovici’s research may lack validity becaus the role of minority influence is being questioned.

Question 11

Bashir Et Al (2013)

Answer 11

There may be barriers to social change - participants were less likely to be environmentally friendly because they were stereotyped as ‘tree huggers;. Social change can only happen if the minority influence isn’t associated with negative/extremist stereotypes which can be very difficult to shift.