Social influence - minority influence

Question 1

Define ‘minority influence’

Answer 1

when a minority group persuades others to adopt their beliefs/ attitudes/ behaviours

Question 2

Which type of social influence does M.I mostly rely on?

Answer 2

Informational Social Influence

Internalisation

Question 3

Define the ‘snowball effect’

Answer 3

Minority changing opinions starts as slow process
As more of majority group converts to new idea the process speeds up

Question 4

Name three behaviours that affects the minorities’ influence

Answer 4

Consistency

Commitment

Flexibility

Question 5

Explain ‘consistency’ as a factor of minority influence

Answer 5

Min. group must be consistent with their view to be persuasive

Diachronic consistency - over time
Synchronic consistency - between members

Question 6

Explain ‘commitment’ as a factor of minority influence

Answer 6

Minority group must show commitment to their view

Augmentation principle - minority willing to suffer for their views and still hold them makes people take them more seriously

Question 7

Explain ‘flexability’ as a factor of minority influence

Answer 7

Minority group must be seen as non-dogmatic to be persuasive

Should demonstrate ability to be cooperative and reasonable

Question 8

Evaluate minority influence