Minority influence

• Minority influence is a form of social influence where an individual or smaller group influences a larger group.
• Minority influence relies on informational social influence where the smaller group presents new information, leading to a change in the majority's view.
• Moscovici's study (1969) investigated minority influence where participants were shown a series of blue slides but the minority group consistently reported the slides as green. Over time, the consistency and confidence persuaded the majority - 33% said the slides were green at least once.
• Consistency is a factor affecting minority influence where inconsistency may cause the majority to dismiss the idea if the minority are consistent in the views over time and among members.
• Commitment is a factor affecting minority influence as dedication to their cause can make the minority seem more convincing
• Flexibility is a factor affecting minority influence as alongside being consistent, displaying flexibility when needed can increase the influence. For example, making comporomises.
• Research on minority influence has been criticized for its reliance on laboratory experiments, dismissal of culture and context.