Psychology: Minority Influence Flashcards
What does minority influence refer to?
form of social influence that is attributed to exposure to consistent minority position within a group
What three main factors enhance minority influence?
-consistency -commitment -flexibility
What is meant by the term consistency?
keeping same beliefs over period of time and across all individuals
What two forms of consistency are there?
-synchronic -diachronic
What is synchronic consistency?
agreement between minority group
What is diachronic consistency?
repeatedly saying same thing for long period of time
Who explored ideas of consistency?
Moscovici
What was the aim of Moscovicis study?
to investigate the effect of a consistent minority on influencing a majority to give an incorrect answer in a colour perception task
What sample did Moscovici collect?
172 female participants
Outline Moscovicis method
-participants in groups of 6 -36 slides of varying shades of blue
-2/6 confederates -consistent: confederates stated all slides were green -inconsistent: 24 slides green, 12 slides blue
What were Moscovicis findings?
consistent: 8.2% agreed
inconsistent: 1.25% agreed
32% gave same answer as minority on at least one trial
What did Moscovici conclude from his findings?
difference of 6.95% between conditions. shows importance of consistency
What is meant by commitment in minority influence?
demonstrating dedication to position through personal sacrifices and not out of self interest-augmentative principle
What is meant by flexibility in minority influence?
refers to willingness to compromise in order to not be considered dogmatic and unreasonable
What did Nemeth argue in terms of flexibility?
group need to be prepared to accept valid counter-arguments and adapt position for change
