Minority Influence

• What is the process called when majorities are won over by a minority viewpoint?

  Conversion
• What does conversion involve in the context of minority influence?

  Internalisation by the majority of minority views
• What type of social influence occurs when a majority believes a minority view is correct?

  Informational social influence
• What does Moscovici argue about the power of majority influence?

  If it were all-powerful, everyone would conform
• What is a common origin of social movements according to Moscovici?

  They often start with an individual or small group
• What factors make minorities more persuasive?

  • Flexibility
  • Consistency
  • Commitment
• How does flexibility affect minority influence?

  Uncompromising minorities are less persuasive
• What happens if a minority is too flexible in their stance?

  They are considered inconsistent
• What did Nemeth's study on compensation reveal about minority influence?

  Minorities must compromise to be effective
• What role does consistency play in minority influence?

  It helps minorities persuade the majority
• How can commitment be demonstrated by minorities?

  By taking actions supporting their cause
• What was the aim of Moscovici's study on minority influence?

  To investigate effects of a consistent minority
• What was the procedure in Moscovici's study?

  Groups viewed blue slides with confederates
• What were the findings of the consistent condition in Moscovici's study?

  Majority agreed with minority in 8% of trials
• What were the findings of the inconsistent condition in Moscovici's study?

  Majority agreed with minority in 1% of trials
• What conclusion can be drawn about consistency from Moscovici's study?

  Consistency significantly impacts majority decisions
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Moscovici's study?

  Strengths:

  • High reliability of findings

  Weaknesses:

  • Low population validity (only females)
  • Ethical issues due to deception
• What is social change?

  Changing society's beliefs, attitudes, and behavior
• What role does minority influence play in social change?

  It is crucial for creating new social norms