minority influence

Question 1

what are the 6 AO1 points you should know for minority influence?

Answer 1

-Definition of Minority Influence
-Consistency
-Commitment
-Flexibility
-The Process of Change
-Supporting Research – Moscovici et al. (1969)

Question 2

What is minority influence?

Answer 2

It’s when a small group or individual influences the beliefs or behaviour of the majority, often leading to internalisation—a lasting change in attitudes.

Question 3

Why is consistency important in minority influence?

Answer 3

Consistency (both diachronic and synchronic) shows commitment and makes the minority seem more confident, encouraging the majority to rethink their views.

Question 3

How does commitment help a minority influence others?

Answer 3

If the minority is willing to suffer for their cause (e.g., make sacrifices), it shows dedication. This is called the augmentation principle, which boosts credibility and draws attention.

Question 4

Why is flexibility important in minority influence?

Answer 4

Minorities must be willing to compromise. Being too rigid makes them seem unreasonable, while flexibility makes them appear more open-minded (Nemeth, 1986).

Question 5

What is the snowball effect in minority influence?

Answer 5

When a minority slowly gathers support, their influence builds until it becomes the majority view, eventually leading to social change.

Question 6

What did Moscovici’s (1969) study show?

Answer 6

In a colour perception task, a consistent minority influenced participants to say green on 8.42% of trials, showing that minorities can affect majority opinion.