Minority Influence & Social Change

• What is the main focus of the social influence unit?

  It explores how individuals and small groups can influence larger groups and change societies.
• What is defined as minority influence?

  When members of a majority are converted to the views of a minority.
• What are the three factors that enhance minority influence?

  Consistency, commitment, and flexibility.
• What does consistency mean in the context of minority influence?

  It means that members of the minority group need to repeat the same message.
• What is dionic consistency?

  It is when individuals within the minority group repeat the same message over a long period of time.
• What is synchronic consistency?

  It is when all members of the minority group are consistent with each other.
• How do government ministers exemplify synchronic consistency?

  They follow the party line and present a united public opinion on issues.
• Why is showing commitment important for a minority group?

  It demonstrates that they are willing to suffer for their beliefs, increasing trust in their position.
• What is an example of commitment mentioned in the video?

  The suffragettes going on hunger strikes.
• What does the augmentation principle refer to?

  It suggests that if someone performs an action despite obstacles, we assume they have a strong internal motivation.
• How does flexibility contribute to minority influence?

  It shows that the minority is reasonable and open to valid counterarguments.
• How can a group of green campaigners demonstrate flexibility?

  By shifting their position from an immediate ban on fossil fuel cars to advocating for discounts on electric cars.
• What is the Snowball Effect in the context of minority influence?

  It refers to how minority influence can start small but grow rapidly as more people convert.
• What did Moschi's study find about consistent minorities?

  Consistent minorities were more effective in convincing the majority than inconsistent minorities.
• What was the outcome of the mock jury study conducted by Neo?

  Flexible Confederates were more successful in convincing the majority to reduce compensation levels.
• What are the limitations of lab-based studies on minority influence?

  They often lack mundane realism and ecological validity.
• How can real-life examples of minority influence support theoretical concepts?

  They illustrate the roles of commitment, flexibility, and consistency in achieving social change.
• What is the role of governments as minority groups in influencing society?

  They create and enforce laws that alter societal behavior.
• What is normative social influence?

  It is the influence that leads individuals to conform to the expectations of the majority.
• How can minority groups use informational social influence?

  By providing new information that convinces the majority to adopt their views.
• What is social crypto amnesia?

  It is when society forgets the origins of an idea after it becomes mainstream.
• How do extreme actions by minority groups affect their message?

  They can lead to media attention and eventual acceptance of their ideas.
• What is the significance of the Civil Rights Movement in the context of minority influence?

  It exemplifies consistency and commitment in the fight against racial segregation.
• How did LGBTQ+ activists demonstrate flexibility in their campaign?

  By advocating for civil partnerships as a compromise before achieving same-sex marriage legalization.
• What practical applications can be derived from understanding minority influence?

  Leaders can encourage positive social change in areas like healthcare and behavior during emergencies.
• What is the definition of social change?


  Social change occurs rarely and is difficult to study in controlled environments.