SI- strengthening conversion and social cryptomnesia

How does consistency strengthen minority influence?

Consistency makes the majority think the minority's views are serious and worth attention (augmentation principle). When all minority members share the same views (synchronic consistency), it convinces the majority there is something valid to consider. Remaining consistent over time (diachronic consistency) forces the majority to rethink their views repeatedly, increasing doubt and opening more opportunity for influence.

What is diachronic consistency?

When a minority group remains consistent in their views over time, without changing their stance.

What is synchronic consistency?

When all members of the minority group hold the same views and support each other.

Why does commitment help strengthen minority influence?

High commitment shows passion and confidence, suggesting to the majority that the minority's views are valid, encouraging deeper exploration and increasing the chance of influence.

How does flexibility affect minority influence?

Flexibility helps avoid the minority being seen as rigid, irrational extremists. By being seen as reasonable and cooperative, the minority becomes more appealing and persuasive to the majority.

What are the risks of too much consistency in minority influence?

Too much consistency can make the minority appear inflexible, uncompromising, and irrational, which can reduce their influence.

What did Martin et al. (2003) find about minority influence?

People were less willing to change their opinion after hearing a minority view than after hearing a majority view, suggesting minority messages are more deeply processed and have a more enduring effect.

What is the augmentation principle in minority influence?

The idea that the minority's willingness to face risk and sacrifice increases the perceived validity of their message, making it more influential.

What is the real-life application of consistency, commitment, and flexibility in minority influence?

These techniques inform minority groups on how to maximize their influence, though the majority's larger size and greater power can still limit the minority's success.

What is social cryptomnesia?

When people forget how social change occurred and lose memory of where social norms originated and how they were adopted.