Minority Influence Flashcards
What was the aim of Moscovici et al (1969)? Commitment
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.
What was the group composition in the Moscovici et al (1969) study?
Groups of 6 (2 confederates)
The confederates were used to manipulate the responses of the participants.
What task were participants told to perform in the study?
A color perception task
Participants took an eye test to determine if they were colorblind before the task.
How many slides were shown in the Moscovici experiment?
36 slides
The slides depicted different shades of blue and green.
What was the result when the minority was consistent?
8.2% agreed with the minority and said green
This was significantly higher than the control group.
What was the result when the minority was inconsistent?
1.25% agreed with the minority
This shows the importance of consistency in minority influence.
What did the control group report in the Moscovici study?
0.25% said green
This indicates that without the influence of the minority, the majority’s perception remained unchanged.
What is the conclusion regarding consistent vs. inconsistent minorities?
Consistent minority is more effective than inconsistent minority
Consistency leads to greater influence on the majority.
What is a limitation of the Moscovici study?
Lack of ecological validity
The experiment was conducted in a lab setting, which may not reflect real-world scenarios.
What is another limitation of the Moscovici study?
Lacks generalizability
The sample consisted only of female students.
What ethical concern is associated with the Moscovici study?
Deception
Participants were not fully informed of the study’s aims.
What does high reliability in the study indicate?
Controlled lab environment and standardized procedures
This enhances the credibility of the findings.
What is minority influence?
When a minority persuades others to adopt their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors
This can lead to internalization or conversion of attitudes.
Commitment
Engaging in extreme or dangerous activities to draw attention and demonstrate commitment
An example includes the suffragettes.
Define synchronic consistency.
When all members of the minority group say the same thing
This unity can enhance their influence over the majority.
Define diachronic consistency.
When the minority group has maintained the same position over time
This long-term commitment can lead to increased interest from the majority.
What does flexibility mean in the context of minority influence?
The ability of a minority to adapt and compromise
Inflexibility can lead to a lack of influence over the majority.
What was Nemeth’s finding regarding jury behavior?
A minority seen as inflexible is unlikely to change the majority’s opinion
This was demonstrated through a study involving jury compensation decisions.
What role does compromise play in minority influence?
Compromise allows for flexibility and can lead to changes in the majority’s opinion
Without it, the minority may be viewed as unreasonable.
Argumentation Principle (Commitment)
Majority view what the minority are doing and think that because they truly believe in what they are doing, they should too
Consistency
Overtime, minority’s view increase amounts of interest from other people. Others consider their argument more carefully so must be a reason why the minority is confident to maintain this position over time
