Psychology - Social Influence

• What was the aim of Moscovici's study on conformity to a minority?


  To see if conformity can occur through the influence of a consistent minority.
• What type of experimental design was used in Moscovici's study?


  A laboratory experiment using an independent measures design.
• What was the composition of the groups in Moscovici's experiment?


  • 172 female participants
  • 32 groups of 6 participants each
  • Each group had 2 confederates and 4 real participants
• What were participants told the experiment was about?


  They were told it was an experiment about colour perception.
• How many blue slides were shown to the participants in the study?

  36 blue slides.
• What was the consistent response of the confederates regarding the color of the slides?


  The confederates consistently answered that the slides were green.
• What was the response pattern of the confederates in the inconsistent condition?


  They said green 24 times and blue 12 times.
• What was the percentage of trials where participants agreed with the minority when confederates were consistent?


  1. 42% of the trials.
• How many participants agreed with the minority at least once when confederates were consistent?


  32% agreed with them at least once.
• What was the percentage of trials where participants agreed with the minority when confederates were inconsistent?


  1. 25% of the trials.
• What are the conclusions drawn from Moscovici's study?


  • A minority can influence a majority.
  • Consistency is key for a minority to be influential.
• What is the 'conversion' process in minority influence?


  • Scrutinizing the minority perspective
  • Comparing it to one's own view
  • Leads to more enduring internalization of the minority view
• What are the three characteristics a minority must have to persuade the majority?

  1. Consistency

  • Synchronous consistency (agreement among members)
  • Diachronic consistency (long-term agreement)

  1. Commitment

  • Dedication to their cause

  1. Flexibility

  • Adaptability without being dogmatic
• What does synchronous consistency refer to in minority influence?


  Agreement between all members of the minority.
• What does diachronic consistency refer to in minority influence?


  Having been saying the same thing for some time now.
• What is the augmentation principle in the context of minority influence?


  Minorities must show dedication to their cause, possibly through extreme activities.
• Why is flexibility important for a minority trying to influence a majority?


  It helps them avoid coming across as dogmatic and rigid.