Majority Perceptions of Opinion Deviates’ Interpersonal Attractiveness

Abstract

Employing Moscovici’s behavioral style model of social influence, this study viewed social influence as rooted in conflict and sought to determine the impact an opinion deviate’s use of evidence and linguistic style might have on majority opinion and perceptions. The study also added an external status characteristic to Moscovici’s model by examining the impact of the opinion deviate’s gender on measures of influence and interpersonal attractiveness. Findings revealed that opinion deviates exerted little influence on expressed majority opinions, regardless of how they communicated and regardless of their gender. However, using evidence to support arguments while employing few qualifying expressions (tag questions and disclaimers) appeared to increase an opinion deviate’s interpersonal attractiveness in the eyes of the majority. Predictions related to the deviate’s gender received mixed support. The potential gender bias of the discussion topic and its subsequent impact on the study’s findings were explored.