Minority Influence Flashcards
What were the participants of Moscovici’s study?
Randomly selected participants and confederates
What was the aim of Moscovici’s study?
To observe how minorities can influence a majority
What was the procedure of Moscovici’s study?
- A lab experiment
- Participants were 2 confederates (minority) and 4 participants (majority)
- Everyone was shown 36 blue slides with a different shade of blue
- They were asked if it was blue or green
- Confederates deliberately said green for 2/3 of the trials, therefore giving a consistent minority view
- The number of times real participants said green was recorded
- A control group was used consisting of only participants
What were the findings of Moscovici’s study?
When confederates were consistent in their answers about 8% of participants said green. however when confederates were inconsistent only 1% sad green. Showing that consistency is crucial for a minority. to exert maximum influence on a majority
Explain Consistency
Moscovinis study demonstrates that the majority are more likely to be influenced by the minority. when they’re consistent in their views. Because it makes the opposition think the views of the minority are real ands serious enough to pay attention to as they’re determined. If all members have the same views it can convince the majority it’s something worth agreeing with. Remaining consistent over time forces the opposition. to rethink their views constantly and more doubt forms
What are the 2 types of consistency?
Diachronic and Synchronic
What is Diachronic Consistency
Group remains consistent. over time - their views don’t change
What is Synchronic Consistency?
The group is consistent between all members of the group everyone has the same views, therefore agree and support each other
Explain commitment
The majority is more likely to be influenced when the minority is committed as they have so much passion and confidence in the POV, suggesting the majority must somehow be valid and encourages them to explore why and offers more opportunities to be influenced
Explain Flexibility
Majority is more likely to be influenced when the minority is flexible. Being too consistent suggests that they’re inflexible, uncompromising and irrational. and their argument is less appealing, However If they appear flexible, compromising and rational they’re less likely to be seen as extremists and attention seekers and more reasonable and considerate
Give a + of Minority Influence (MP)
In 2003 it. was demonstrated that there’s a degree of internalisation of a minority. view. In martin’s study 1 group heard the opinion of a minority and group. 2 heard a majority. After both groups were exposed to an opposing opinion, the group that heard the minority view were less likely to change their views. Suggesting minority is more powerful as it holds risk and forces people to reconsider
Give a + of Minority Influence (RLA)
Emphasis of Consistency, commitment and flexibility. have real-life application as they inform minority groups about the best way to behave in order to enter a maximum amount of influence. however, you have to consider the majority its larger and often more powerful. Therefore the 3 techniques described aren’t always enough to change an opinion
Give a - of Minority Influence (LR)
It lacks realism as the tasks don’t reflect scenarios within which the minority groups would act in real life. Also, meaning that the findings lack ecological validity because the extent which the results can be generalised is limited
