Minority Influence

• What are the three main processes in minority influence?

  Consistency, Commitment, Flexibility
• What is the definition of consistency in minority influence?

  • Minority must consistently repeat the same beliefs or messages.
  • Essential for success in influencing the majority.
• What is synchronic consistency?

  All members of the minority say the same thing.
• Provide an example of synchronic consistency.

  Suffragettes all wanted women to have the vote.
• What is diachronic consistency?

  Over time, the minority maintains the same stance.
• Provide an example of diachronic consistency.

  Suffragettes repeatedly campaigned for years.
• What is the effect of consistency in minority influence?

  It draws attention to the minority’s viewpoint and may lead to internalisation.
• What thoughts might arise due to the effect of consistency?

  “They’ve kept saying this for so long, they might be right.”
• What was the procedure in Moscovici et al.'s (1969) study on consistency?

  • Groups of six viewed blue-coloured slides.
  • Two participants were confederates (minority).
  • Conditions:
  • Consistent: Confederates called blue slides green.
  • Inconsistent: Confederates called slides green 24 times and blue 12 times.
  • Control: No confederates present.
• What were the findings of the consistent condition in Moscovici et al.'s study?

  Participants called the slides green in 8.42% of trials.
• What percentage of participants in the consistent condition called the slides green at least once?

  32% of participants called the slides green at least once.
• What were the findings of the inconsistent condition in Moscovici et al.'s study?

  Participants called the slides green in only 1.25% of trials.
• What was the control group's response in Moscovici et al.'s study?

  Participants rarely called the slides green.
• What did Wood et al. (1994) find in their meta-analysis on minority influence?

  • Consistent minorities were the most influential.
  • Conclusion: Consistency is critical in influencing the majority.
• What is a potential drawback of over-consistency in minority influence?

  It can be perceived as inflexible, causing the majority to ignore the minority view.
• What is the definition of commitment in minority influence?

  • Minorities demonstrate commitment by engaging in extreme activities.
  • Shows dedication to their cause.
• What is the effect of commitment in minority influence?

  It shows dedication and creates the augmentation principle.
• Provide an example of how suffragettes demonstrated commitment.

  Suffragettes used hunger strikes, force-feeding, and imprisonment.
• What was the study conducted by Xie et al. (2011) about commitment?

  • Participants communicated on social networks.
  • Minority with strong commitment influenced others to adopt their view.
  • Conclusion: Commitment significantly impacts the adoption of new viewpoints by the majority.
• What is a weakness of commitment in minority influence?

  Minority may be seen as deviants or troublemakers, leading the majority to avoid them.
• What is the definition of flexibility in minority influence?

  • Minority must demonstrate flexibility while maintaining consistency.
  • A balance is necessary to avoid being off-putting.
• What is the effect of flexibility in minority influence?

  A rigid approach may be off-putting; flexibility helps in appearing reasonable.
• What was the procedure in Nemeth and Brilmayer's (1987) study on flexibility?

  • In a mock jury, group members discussed compensation for a ski-lift accident.
  • Confederate argued for a different viewpoint but initially refused to change.
  • When the confederate showed flexibility, he influenced the group.
• What were the findings regarding inflexible positions in Nemeth and Brilmayer's study?

  Inflexible position led to no influence on the group.
• What were the findings regarding flexible positions in Nemeth and Brilmayer's study?

  Flexible position led to influence on group opinion.
• What is the process of minority influence leading to internalisation?

  • Minority influence leads to internalisation.
  • Both public and private views change as the majority scrutinises the minority’s perspective.
  • Results in more permanent change.
• What is a real-world example of minority influence?

  • Suffragette movement.
  • Their persistence led to changes in public attitudes towards women’s voting rights.
• What role does identification play in minority influence?

  • Identification with the minority is crucial for change.
  • Example: Straight majority influenced more by a straight minority advocating for gay rights.
• What did Maass et al. (1982) conclude about identification in minority influence?

  Without identification with the minority, change is less likely, regardless of consistency, commitment, or flexibility.