Minority Influence

Question 1

What was the aim of Moscovici et al (1969)?

Answer 1

To investigate effects of a consistent minority on a majority

The study examined how a minority group could influence the perceptions of a majority group.

Question 2

What was the group composition in the Moscovici et al (1969) study?

Answer 2

Groups of 6 (2 confederates)

The confederates were used to manipulate the responses of the participants.

Question 3

What task were participants told to perform in the study?

Answer 3

A color perception task

Participants took an eye test to determine if they were colorblind before the task.

Question 4

How many slides were shown in the Moscovici experiment?

Answer 4

36 slides

The slides depicted different shades of blue and green.

Question 5

What did the consistent minority say about the slides?

Answer 5

Every slide was green

This consistent assertion led to a significant influence on the majority.

Question 6

What was the result when the minority was consistent?

Answer 6

8.2% agreed with the minority and said green

This was significantly higher than the control group.

Question 7

What was the result when the minority was inconsistent?

Answer 7

1.25% agreed with the minority

This shows the importance of consistency in minority influence.

Question 8

What did the control group report in the Moscovici study?

Answer 8

0.25% said green

This indicates that without the influence of the minority, the majority’s perception remained unchanged.

Question 9

What is the conclusion regarding consistent vs. inconsistent minorities?

Answer 9

Consistent minority is more effective than inconsistent minority

Consistency leads to greater influence on the majority.

Question 10

What is a limitation of the Moscovici study?

Answer 10

Lack of ecological validity

The experiment was conducted in a lab setting, which may not reflect real-world scenarios.

Question 11

What is another limitation of the Moscovici study?

Answer 11

Lacks generalizability

The sample consisted only of female students.

Question 12

What ethical concern is associated with the Moscovici study?

Answer 12

Deception

Participants were not fully informed of the study’s aims.

Question 13

What does high reliability in the study indicate?

Answer 13

Controlled lab environment and standardized procedures

This enhances the credibility of the findings.

Question 14

What is minority influence?

Answer 14

When a minority persuades others to adopt their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors

This can lead to internalization or conversion of attitudes.

Question 15

What is the augmentation principle in minority influence?

Answer 15

Engaging in extreme or dangerous activities to draw attention and demonstrate commitment

An example includes the suffragettes.

Question 16

Define synchronic consistency.

Answer 16

When all members of the minority group say the same thing

This unity can enhance their influence over the majority.

Question 17

Define diachronic consistency.

Answer 17

When the minority group has maintained the same position over time

This long-term commitment can lead to increased interest from the majority.

Question 18

What does flexibility mean in the context of minority influence?

Answer 18

The ability of a minority to adapt and compromise

Inflexibility can lead to a lack of influence over the majority.

Question 19

What was Nemeth’s finding regarding jury behavior?

Answer 19

A minority seen as inflexible is unlikely to change the majority’s opinion

This was demonstrated through a study involving jury compensation decisions.

Question 20

What role does compromise play in minority influence?

Answer 20

Compromise allows for flexibility and can lead to changes in the majority’s opinion

Without it, the minority may be viewed as unreasonable.