Question

: The two-process model of social influence suggests that majority influence operates through _________, whereas minority influence operates through _____________.

a. the application of pressure; making people think about the minority's position
b. making people think about the minority's position; the application of pressure
c. informational social influence; normative social influence
d. persuasion; conformity pressure
e. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct answer is c. informational social influence; normative social influence. Majority influence typically involves normative social influence, and minority influence tends to involve informational social influence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two-process model of social influence suggests that majority influence operates through normative social influence, whereas minority influence operates through informational social influence. This model differentiates how different types of group influences lead people to conform. The correct answer to the student's question is option c. informational social influence; normative social influence.

Normative social influence occurs when individuals conform to the majority to fit in, avoid ridicule, and be socially accepted within a group, as seen in the Asch conformity studies. Informational social influence, on the other hand, takes place when individuals conform because they believe the minority may have specialized knowledge or information, especially in situations where the answer is not clear or the task is ambiguous.