Strength: Research support for normative influence
What? Research shows social influence processes based on psychological research works
Who? Nolan et al. - Decreasedenergy usage by saying the majority was trying to reduce it
Why? Shows conformity can lead to social change (via normative social influence) - valid explanation
Counterpoint: Research support for normative influences
What? Behaviour not always changed via. exposition to social norms
Who? Foxcroft et al. - Social norms approach used to reduce student alcohol use; small reduction in quantity and no effect on frequency
Why? Normative influence doesn't always produce long-termchange
Strength: Minority influence explains change
What? Explains how minority influence brings social change
Who? Nemeth: Social change due to type of thinkingminorities inspire - When considering minority arguments, people think broader; creates better decisions/creative solutions to social issues
Why? Shows dissenting minorities are valuable
Limitation: Role of deeper processing
What? Deeper processing mightn't play a role in how minorities create social change
Who? Mackie - Conformity creates deeper processing if you don't share their views
Why? Doubts validity of minority influence as explanation for social change
