Minority Influence Model Answers

Q1. Explain how Maya might show either commitment or flexibility to persuade the workers to change their behaviour. (Total 2 marks)

Maya might show commitment by consistently using a reusable cup herself and demonstrating the effort to promote sustainability. Alternatively, she could show flexibility by acknowledging the convenience of disposable cups but emphasising the long-term benefits of reusable ones.

Q2. Discuss research into minority influence. (Total 16 marks)

Model Answer:

Minority influence occurs when a smaller group persuades the majority to adopt their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviours. Moscovici et al. conducted a key study to investigate this process. Groups of six participants, including two confederates, were asked to identify the colour of slides, which were all blue. In the consistent condition, confederates consistently said the slides were green, while in the inconsistent condition, confederates sometimes said blue and sometimes green. The study found that in the consistent condition, 8.4% of participants agreed with the confederates at least once, compared to 1.25% in the inconsistent condition. This highlights the importance of consistency in minority influence.

One strength of Moscovici’s study is its empirical support for the role of consistency in minority influence. (Point) The study demonstrated that participants were significantly more likely to agree with the minority in the consistent condition than the inconsistent condition. (Because) This provides strong evidence that consistency is a key factor in the minority's ability to influence the majority. (Why) However, the artificial nature of the task, such as judging slide colours, reduces its ecological validity. (Counterargument) Real-world examples of minority influence, such as social movements, are more complex and may involve other factors, such as moral reasoning or cultural values.

A limitation of research into minority influence is its limited focus on individual differences. (Point) Not all individuals are equally influenced by a consistent minority, as personality traits, such as confidence or openness to change, play a significant role. (Because) This suggests that minority influence processes may not apply universally across all individuals, limiting the explanatory power of the research. (Why) However, the research still provides valuable insights into group dynamics, particularly in situations where people are more open to persuasion. (Counterargument)

Another strength is the practical applications of minority influence research. (Point) Understanding the role of consistency, commitment, and flexibility has been applied to social movements and campaigns, such as environmental initiatives, to bring about positive societal change. (Because) This demonstrates how research into minority influence can be used to encourage social progress by empowering minority groups to advocate effectively. (Why) However, these applications may depend on the wider societal context, as some minorities may face structural barriers that limit their ability to influence the majority. (Counterargument)

A further limitation is the lack of cross-cultural validity in minority influence research. (Point) Moscovici’s study was conducted in a Western, individualistic culture, which may emphasise personal independence and make individuals more receptive to minority opinions. (Because) This limits the generalisability of the findings to collectivist cultures, where maintaining group harmony is prioritised over supporting dissenting views. (Why) However, subsequent studies in other cultural contexts have replicated aspects of Moscovici’s findings, suggesting some universality in the principles of minority influence. (Counterargument)

By examining research such as Moscovici’s study, we gain valuable insights into how minorities influence the majority. While the findings have practical applications and highlight key processes like consistency, limitations in ecological and cultural validity must be considered when applying these findings to real-world scenarios.

Q3. Use your knowledge of two or more factors affecting minority influence to explain how Steph can persuade the rest of her class to accept her idea. (Total 6 marks)

Steph can use consistency by regularly emphasising the benefits of a surprise fancy dress party and maintaining her view over time. This will show her dedication and make her argument more convincing.

She can also use commitment by demonstrating how strongly she feels about the idea, such as putting in extra effort to plan the party. This will show her dedication and encourage others to take her idea seriously.

Q4. Which factors affecting minority influence are illustrated by the following examples? (Total 3 marks)

Commitment – Members of a religious group give up their Saturday mornings to distribute leaflets.
Flexibility – An environmental group acknowledges that recycling can be time-consuming while emphasising its importance.
Consistency – All members of the Flat Earth Society agree that the Earth is flat and not round.

Q5. Using your knowledge of minority influence processes, explain two ways in which Samina could convince the other students in the debating society to agree with her. (Total 4 marks)

Samina could demonstrate consistency by repeatedly presenting her argument against drug legalisation over time, which will make her viewpoint more influential.

She could also use commitment by showing her dedication to the cause, such as researching evidence or participating in campaigns, to convince others of her seriousness.

Q6. Outline and discuss how consistency and commitment might contribute to minority influence. (Total 8 marks)

Consistency involves maintaining the same position over time, which demonstrates confidence and encourages the majority to consider the minority's view. Commitment refers to the minority showing dedication, often through personal sacrifice, which increases their credibility and the impact of their argument.

One strength of consistency is its empirical support from Moscovici’s study. (Point) In the consistent condition, participants were more likely to agree with the minority opinion than in the inconsistent condition. (Because) This highlights how consistency strengthens minority influence. (Why) However, the study lacks ecological validity, limiting its application to real-world situations. (Counterargument)

Commitment is supported by real-world examples, such as the suffragette movement. (Point) Their dedication, including risking imprisonment, increased the majority’s acceptance of women’s rights. (Because) This demonstrates the importance of perceived sacrifice in gaining influence. (Why) However, commitment alone may not be enough without other factors, such as flexibility. (Counterargument)

Q7. Using your knowledge of minority influence, explain how Jenny might be able to persuade the rest of the department to accept her view. (Total 6 marks)

Jenny can use consistency by regularly expressing her belief that homework should not be graded and maintaining her position over time. This will demonstrate her commitment and encourage her colleagues to consider her viewpoint.

She can also show flexibility by being open to valid counterarguments, such as agreeing to trial feedback-only grading for a specific period. This will make her appear reasonable and less dogmatic, increasing her influence.

Finally, Jenny can demonstrate commitment by investing time and effort into researching the benefits of her approach and presenting evidence to her colleagues. This will enhance her credibility and make her argument more persuasive.

Q8. (a) Name three behaviours that enable a minority to influence a majority. (3 marks)

Consistency
Commitment
Flexibility

(b) Briefly suggest how Marcus might use the three behaviours that you have identified in your answer to part (a) to persuade his friends to go travelling. (3 marks)
Marcus can use consistency by repeatedly expressing his desire to go travelling and maintaining this position over time.
He can show commitment by researching and planning the trip in detail, demonstrating how strongly he feels about the idea.
Marcus can use flexibility by acknowledging the group’s preference for a beach holiday and suggesting destinations that combine beaches with travel opportunities.

Q9. With reference to the article, explain how social influence leads to social change. (Total 6 marks)

Social influence leads to social change through processes such as minority influence, conformity, and obedience. For example, a small group advocating for the acceptance of homosexuality likely demonstrated consistency, commitment, and flexibility over time. This would have persuaded the majority to reassess their views, as seen in the shift from widespread opposition to widespread acceptance.

Once the minority’s view gained momentum, conformity processes such as normative social influence would have played a role. People likely adopted the new norms to gain social approval. Additionally, obedience to authority might have reinforced the change, with laws supporting gay marriage and adoption providing legitimacy and encouraging societal acceptance.

Q10. Referring to research into obedience, explain three reasons why the instructor’s advice should be effective. (Total 6 marks)

Uniform: The instructor advises wearing a jacket, which serves as a symbol of authority. Research by Bickman showed that people are more likely to obey someone in uniform compared to casual clothing.
Proximity: Standing close to the participants increases obedience, as demonstrated in Milgram’s study, where obedience was higher when the experimenter was in the same room.
Legitimacy of authority: Dealing with serious problems in the instructor’s office reinforces the perception of authority, making trainees more likely to comply.

Q11. Use your knowledge of conformity and minority influence to explain the factors that will determine how successful the small group of students will be. (Total 7 marks)

The group’s success will depend on their ability to use consistency, commitment, and flexibility. If the students consistently advocate for the school to go paper-free, it will demonstrate confidence in their view, making others more likely to listen.

They can show commitment by taking actions such as using no paper themselves and organising campaigns to raise awareness. Demonstrating personal sacrifice will enhance their credibility.

Additionally, the group must show flexibility by addressing concerns about the challenges of going paper-free and offering practical solutions. This will make them appear reasonable and more persuasive.

Conformity processes, such as informational social influence, may also play a role if the students provide evidence of the environmental benefits of reducing paper use, encouraging others to adopt their views.

Q12. Explain how social influence research helps us to understand social change. (Total 6 marks)

Social influence research shows that minority influence plays a key role in social change. Consistency, commitment, and flexibility demonstrated by minorities encourage the majority to reassess their views. For example, suffragettes consistently campaigned for women’s rights, eventually leading to legal and societal changes.

Conformity processes, such as normative social influence, also contribute to social change. People adopt new behaviours to gain social approval once these behaviours become the norm.

Finally, obedience to authority reinforces change when laws or regulations legitimize new norms, as seen in legal reforms supporting environmental initiatives or equality movements.

Q13. Explain how a minority can bring about social change. (Total 4 marks)

A minority can bring about social change through consistency, by maintaining the same message over time, and commitment, by showing dedication and willingness to make sacrifices for their cause. They must also demonstrate flexibility by adapting their message to address counterarguments, making their position more persuasive. These processes encourage the majority to reassess their views, leading to internalisation and eventual change in societal norms.