Reference Group Influence on Opinion Expression

In: International journal of public opinion research, Band 8, Heft 4, S. 335-354

Abstract

Challenges the spiral of silence theory of public expression (eg, Noelle-Neuman, E., 1993) by investigating the role of reference groups in individual willingness for personal expression. Two hypotheses are tested: one proposes that willingness to express personal opinions will be significantly less for individuals who believe they stand against their reference group opinion; the other proposes that reference group influence will take priority in situations where social majority & reference group opinion are opposed. An experiment designed according to reference group research was conducted with 16 undergraduates at a large midwestern university. When reference & social majority opinions were presented equally, reference group influence clearly proved to be stronger. Individuals with extreme opinions appeared unaffected by social influence. 2 Tables, 2 Figures, 63 References. Adapted from the source document.