Aim: to investigate the influence of perceived autonomy (choosing where to sit at a table) and consistency on minority influence Method: Lab experiment Sample: Groups of 5 (one stooge) drawn from an adult sample of students
Procedure: group have to deliberate on amount of compensation due for victim of injury. after hearing facts, make individual verdict, taken to a rectangular table 2 seats on long ends and one at the head. in 1/2 groups pps asked to sit at table, stooge in head seat, other groups told where to sit. then deliberate - confederate adopts deviant position suggesting $3000 instead of $10000-25000.
Key Results: confederate exerts influence when consistent & when perceived or autonomous because chosen seat. whereas when experimenter seated-he has little influence. when he has been influential, effect continues in second case. when he sits at head of table, seen as more consistent and confident
Conclusions: interesting repercussions for jury where people sit. many examples exist where minorities have influenced i.e. gay rights, global warming, cult music. possible that in jury room this effect weakened by need for unanimity in ltd time
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