General Field of Group Dynamics Moscovici, S. 1985. Social Influence and Conformity. Whether individuals' views are challenged by a majority or by a minority of group members has important implications on the outcomes of controversy. Majorities typically exert more influence than do minorities through compliance or conversion. Minorities convert through validating their position.
Minorities stimulate a greater consideration of other alternatives.
Those exposed to minority views are stimulated to attend to more aspects of the situation, they think in more divergent ways, and they are more likely to detect novel solutions or come to new decisions. The broad field of group dynamics provides numerous bodies of research in the areas of goals and motivation, minority influence, leadership, communication, power and diversity, that support the theory of controversy. The central role of controversy in effective decision making and creative problem solving is discussed in depth. It is vital for citizens in a democracy to seek reasoned judgment on the complex problems facing our society. Especially important is educating individuals to solve problems for which different points of view can plausibly be developed.