Social Influence and Social Change Evaluation

Question 1

Nolan et Al - message on door

What is a Strength of the Social Influence and Social Change theory?

Answer 1

• There’s research support for NSI in social change
• Nolan et Al (2008) put messages on doors that said residents were trying to reduce energy usage. A control group put up messages on saving energy only
• Significant decrease in energy usage in first group showing conformity can lead to social change through NSI

Question 2

Social change is slow = minority influence is weak

What is a Weakness of Social Influence and Social Change theory?

Answer 2

• Social changes happen slowly if it happens at all
• It took decades to change attitudes against drink-driving and smoking
• Suggests effects of minority influence like consistency, flexibility and commitment is weaker than first thought
• Limits use of minority influence

Question 3

Different supporting studies are WEAK

What is a Weakness of Social Influence and Social Change?

Answer 3

• Explanations of how social influence leads to social change draw heavily upon studies of Moscovici, Asch and Milgram
• All of these studies have been criticized for lacking validity, both internal and external due to artificial nature
• Undermines link between social influence and social change due to questionable supporting evidence