Social change - AO3

Question 1

Minority influence

What is a strength for social change (consistency)?

Answer 1

• P: Strength = support for consistency
• E: Moscovici et al. (1969): blue-green slide study
• E: Significantly more people converted to minority when consistent, 8.42% vs 1.25%
• L: This shows that… presenting a consistent view is essential for MI

Question 2

Minority influence

What is a limitation for social change?

Answer 2

• P: Limitation = deeper processing not specific to minority influence
• E: Mackie (1987): Majority’s influence can also lead to deeper processing
• E: We assume that most others share our views; when find not true, forced to think deeply as to why
• L: This… challenges central element of minority influence; may not be valid explanation for social change

Question 3

Majority influence

What is a strength for social change?

Answer 3

• P: Strength = research support
• E: Nolan et al. (2008): put messages on house doors saying that most residents were trying to reduce their energy usage; control w/ message to save energy but no reference to others
• E: Significant decreases in energy usage in the experimental group
• L: This shows that… conformity can lead to social change through NSI

Question 4

Majority influence

What is a limitation of social change?

Answer 4

• P: Limitation = alternate evidence
• E: Foxcroft et al. (2015): reviewed studies of social-norm interventions to reduce alcohol use
• E: Only small reduction in drinking quantity; no effect on drinking frequency
• L: This shows that… using NSI does not always produce long-term social change