minority influence

what is minority influence?

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

how does consistency affect minority influence?

if the minority is consistent in its arguments, others consider the issue more carefully as there must be a reason why the minority is sufficiently confident to maintain this position over time

Wood et al’s (1994) meta-analytical study for consistency?

found that minorities who were
consistent in their position were particularly influential.

how does commitment affect minority influence?

a minority that adopts commitment to its position suggests certainty and confidence in the face of a hostile majority.

what does commitment persuade the majority to do?

greater commitment may then persuade majority group members to take them seriously, or even convert to the minority position.

how does flexibility affect minority influence?

flexibility is more effective at changing majority opinion than rigidity of arguments because minorities must negotiate their position rather than try to enforce it.

what happens if a minority is not flexible or is too flexible?

a rigid minority that refuses to compromise is perceived as dogmatic. one that is too prepared to compromise is seen as inconsistent. neither approach is effective.