Minority Influence

Question 1

Definition of Minority Influence

Answer 1

A form of social influence in which a minority influences others to adopt their beliefs or behaviours

Question 2

Definition of consistency

Answer 2

When the minority keep the same beliefs over time helping to draw attention to the views

Question 3

Definition of commitment

Answer 3

When the minority demonstrate dedication to their position like making personal sacrifices

Question 4

Definition of flexibility

Answer 4

Accepting compromise from the majority so they don’t seem unreasonable

Question 5

What kind of conformity is minority influence most likely to lead to?

Answer 5

Internalisation - when the person’s views are changed both in public and in private

Question 6

What was the aim of Moscovici’s study?

Answer 6

To observe how minorities can influence a majority

Question 7

What was the procedure of Moscovici’s study?

Answer 7

• In groups with 2 confederates and 4 participants
• Everyone was shown 36 blue slides
• All asked to say whether the slide was blue or green.
• Confederates said they were green on 2/3 of the trials

Question 8

What were the findings of Moscovici’s study?

Answer 8

• When the confederates were consistent with their answers, 8% of participants said the slides were green
• When they weren’t consistent, 1% of participants said the slides were green
• Consistency is crucial to have maximum influence

Question 9

What research support demonstrates the importance of consistency?

Answer 9

Moscovici’s study:
- When the confederates were consistent, the 8% of participants said the slides were green
- When not consistent, 1% of participants said the slides were green

Question 10

What is one limitation of minority influence?

Answer 10

Artificial tasks:
- E.g = Moscovici’s study doesn’t reflect the behaviour of majorities in real life
- An example, is jury decision making when the outcomes are more important
- Minority influence studies are lacking external validity