Minority influence

Question 1

definition

Answer 1

When one person or a small group of people cause a larger group of people come around to their point of view. E.g. Martin Luther King.

Question 2

Consistency

Answer 2

This is where a minority rigidly sticks to their viewpoint and do not change their mind.

Question 3

Flexibility

Answer 3

this relates to slightly coming around to the viewpoint of the majority. The minority appears less stubborn and are willing to listen to the majority.

Question 4

Commitment

Answer 4

this relates to minority putting a lot of effort into campaigning for their viewpoint, often at much personal sacrifice which makes people pay more attention as it stands out (augmentation principle).

Question 5

Evaluation strength: support for consistency Moscovici et al

Answer 5

found that a consistent minority were more likely to influence a majority to call a blue slide green. Also, participants were more likely to agree with the consistent minorities if they could write down their answers.

Question 6

Evaluation strength: support from Wood et al (1994)

Answer 6

meta-analysis of 100 studies, found that minorities who were seen as consistent were more likely to be influential.

Question 7

Evaluation weakness: lacks ecological validity

Answer 7

based on artificial tasks and do not relate to campaigns in real life.