Minority Influence

Question 1

Mugny (1982) -

Flexibility

Answer 1

suggests that flexibility is more effective than rigidity of arguments thus a rigid minority are perceived as dogmatic whereas some degree of flexibility is more effective than none at all.

Question 2

Evaluation -
Nemeth and Brilymayer (1987)-
research support for flexibility

Answer 2

studied the role of flexibility in a simulation jury station.
when the confederate put forward a different POV and refused to change = no effect on others
when the confederate compromised = exerted an influence on others

Question 3

Evaluation
- Xie et al. (2011):
‘tipping point’ for commitment

Answer 3

found a point where the number of people holding the minority position is sufficient to change the majority opinion
Findings: the percentage of opinion holders needed to ‘tip’ the majority was 10%

Question 4

Evaluation -
Nemeth (2010):
the real value of minority influence

Answer 4

claims it’s difficult to convince people of the value of disagreeing as people are encouraged to ‘fit in’ and made to fear repercussions such as ridicule and so the majority persists and innovative thinking associated with the minority influence