SI - minority influence (A03)

Question 1

What’s a strength of the explanation that flexibility is important in minority influence? - Empirical supporting evidence

Answer 1

===> Nemeth and Brilmayer (1987) studied flexibility in simulated jury situation (compensation in ski lift accident). When confederate proposed alternative opinion and refused to change their mind, it had no effect. When confederate compromised, it did. Only effective if they shifted late in conversation. Situational variables that affect role of flexibility

Question 2

What is a strength of the theory that minority groups are more influential than majority groups? - Supported by research

Answer 2

===> Martin et al (2003) asked ppts. their view on animal research, then told them if the minority or majority agreed/disagreed (IV was which one did). Ppts. less willing to change opinion if told minority agreed with them. Theory suggests minorities are more persuasive due to a more deeply processed message. Increases validity

Question 3

What is a limitation of the snowball effect concept? - vague in nature

Answer 3

===> Xie et al (2011) computer models of social networks to find tipping point of minority group as 10% of whole population. If group was any smaller, unlikely to affect majority’s opinion. Size of minority is important and has practical value for minority groups in the real world

Question 4

What is a limitation of Moscivici’s study? - Methodological issues with research

Answer 4

===> task of identifying colour of a slide is very far removed from how minorities would be attempting to change behaviour of majorities in real life. Judging colour of slide has no important consequences. Task lacks mundane realism and results could have low ecological validity that doesn’t generalise outside a lab setting