SI8. Minority Influence

Question 1

Moscovici’s Study

Answer 1

• randomly selected participants and confederates
• aim: observe how minorities can influence minorities
• lab experiment; groups (2 confederates, 4 P’s); 36 slides, different shades of blue; asked whether slides were blue or green; con’s said green 2/3 times (consistent minority view); number of times P’s reported ‘green’ slides observed; control group of only P’s used for comparison.
  Found: 8% of P’s answered in alignment with consistent cons; but only 1% with inconsistent cons

Question 2

Consistency

Answer 2

• majority more likely to be influences by a minority that is consistent in their views
• diachronic synchrony (maintain views over long time frame) convinces majority views are worth agreeing with
• DS forces opposition to rethink views, as prolonged exposure to conflicting views creates opportunity to influence

Question 3

Consistency Types

Answer 3

• synchronic: group consistent within itself (shares same views)
• diachronic: group remains consistent over time

Question 4

Commitment

Answer 4

• majority more likely influenced by committed minority
• idea that minority has so much passion about POV, that view MUST are valid
• encourages ‘why?’ question from majority = opportunity to be influenced

Question 5

Flexibility

Answer 5

• being too consistent suggests a minority may be uncompromising and irrational (argument LESS appealing to majority)
• being seen as flexible compromising and rational makes them LESS likely to be seen as extremists or attention seekers, which makes their view more attractive = more convincing

Question 6

+ Eval: Effect of Minority Influence

Answer 6

• people less willing to change opinion if they listen to minority view first; suggesting the minority view is more deeply processed
• P’s split into groups; one heard majority view first, second heard minority view first; exposed to opposing opinion
• P’s who heard minority view first were less likely to alter their views
• suggests minority is more powerful as view (going against majority) holds risk, so is assumed to be somewhat correct

Question 7

+ Eval: Eco-validity

Answer 7

• can inform minority groups regarding east way to behave to exert maximum influence; and avoid potential labelling (such as ‘extremist’)

Question 8

• Eval: Moscovici lacks Mundane Realism

Answer 8

• study relies on artificial tasks and stimuli
• don’t reflect scenarios within which minority groups would act in real life
• generalisability limited