The role of social influence processes in social change

Question 1

What is social crypto-amnesia

Answer 1

Members of the majority are persuaded by the arguments of the minority but do not want to be associated with them

Question 2

What is cognitive conflict

Answer 2

the uncomfortable feeling that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, or when your actions contradict your values

Question 3

What is the snowball effect

Answer 3

This is the theory that the influence of the minority grows slowly over time until it reaches a tipping point

Question 4

What is the tipping point

Answer 4

The tipping point is the point a minority will reach where the social movement gathers momentum and spreads, usually this is at 10%.

Question 5

What is majority influence more associated with

Answer 5

Normative social influence and trying to fit in

Question 6

What is minority influence more associated with

Answer 6

Internalisation, moving away from the norm

Question 7

What research supports the role of majority influence in social change?

Answer 7

Nolan et al (2008) hung messages on the front of houses in san diego that told them residents are trying to reduce their energy usage and for them to also and did another version where they said to reduce energy usage without referencing neighbours.

The results imply that residents are more likely to change their habits if they believed others have too.

Question 8

What research supports that stubbornness to the minority can slow down social change

Answer 8

Bashir et al (2013) found that participants were less likely to behave in environmentally friendly ways because they did not want to be associated with stereotypical and minority ‘environmentalists’

Crypto-amnesia may be a necessary part of social change