What does the augmentation principle state in minority influence?

What does the augmentation principle state in minority influence?

• A. Increases perceived commitment due to suffering
• B. Increases perceived legitimacy due to majority support
• C. Has no effect on perception
• D. Decreases perceived commitment due to risk

Answer: (A)

The augmentation principle is about how visibility of sacrifice or risk strengthens a minority’s influence. When a member of a minority group goes further—making sacrifices or showing strong commitment to their position—their stance is seen as more genuine and serious. This signals to the majority that the minority truly believes in what they’re saying, which increases the perceived commitment behind the message and makes the majority more likely to consider it carefully. That’s why the best description is that the augmentation principle increases perceived commitment due to sacrificing or risking for the cause. It’s not about legitimacy from the majority, nor is it about no effect or reduced commitment.

The augmentation principle is about how visibility of sacrifice or risk strengthens a minority’s influence. When a member of a minority group goes further—making sacrifices or showing strong commitment to their position—their stance is seen as more genuine and serious. This signals to the majority that the minority truly believes in what they’re saying, which increases the perceived commitment behind the message and makes the majority more likely to consider it carefully. That’s why the best description is that the augmentation principle increases perceived commitment due to sacrificing or risking for the cause. It’s not about legitimacy from the majority, nor is it about no effect or reduced commitment.