Social Influence: Minority influence

Created by: Tatterdemalion
Created on: 01-06-21 23:14

What is minority influence?

A form of social influence
where members of the
majority group, change their
beliefs or behaviours as a
result of the exposure to a
persuasive minority.

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How does the majority influence the minority?

Their power is used to establish norms which are followed by minorities.

This is only compliance however, not conversion

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What is compliance?

The outward appearance of subscribing to a social norm but internally holding onto a different or opposing opinion

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What is conversion?

The adoption of a new opinion after sufficient exposure to it

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What is the difference between a majority's message and a minority's one?

The majority's message tends to be accepted without scrutiny but a minority's is subjected to a lot more scrutiny as people want to understand why they take this position. Conversion to this idea tends to be at a deeper level as effort has been expended t

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What are the three key components of successful conversion?

Consistency

Commitment

Flexibility

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What makes consistency important?

It forces a majority believer to critically assess their position and evaluate the potential merit
behind the minority's viewpoint

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What is an example of research into minority consistency?

Wood et al (1994)

Meta-analysis of 97 studies and found that minorities consistent in the expression of their view were viewed as more influential

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What makes commitment important?

It suggests confidence and courage in the face of adversity. It also shows that one is willing to pay a price for sticking to their viewpoint

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What makes flexibility important?

Rigidity suggests that a minority is unwise and dogmatic, equally pandering suggests spinelessness and a lack of cohesion. Being able to compromise is effective in converting majorities

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What is an example of research into minority flexibility?

Mugny (1982)

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How does the majority influence the minority?

Back

Their power is used to establish norms which are followed by minorities.

This is only compliance however, not conversion

Card 3

Front

What is compliance?

Back

Card 4

Front

What is conversion?

Back

Card 5

Front

What is the difference between a majority's message and a minority's one?

Back

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Social Influence: Minority influence