In chapter 29 the train/plane test was interesting. The German Public Opinion Research Center found a way to see if people are willing to speak out in favor of their own opinion. There were six factors that determined the likelihood of this happening. If the opinion is with the majority they will voice their opinion. The willingness to speak out depends on future trends. Those who share the same thoughts are willing to speak out. Those who remain silent have low-self esteem. Middle and Upper class along with young adults and males are more incline to speak out. Last, laws support those who express their opinions even if they are the minority.
As I continued to read the chapter and went over the critique, one of the flaws was that the train/plane test uses a hypothetical situation to measure the willingness to speak out. It has been suggested that they use observation methods instead of hypothetical situations. This makes sense. It would be interesting to see if the observation method proved the same six factors of likelihood to speak. I believe the factors would change.
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2 comments:
I also found the train/plane test very interesting. You never really think about it, but this makes a lot of sense because most people don't want to go through the embarrassment (potentially)that can result from expressing their opinion, if their opinion doesn't match that of the majority's. However, as you also mentioned, this test has a flaw and it is a significant one. And I absolutely agree with you that the results would change if the factors change.
The plane/train test was of interest to me as well, especially because some of my own experience contradicted one of the factors that the test revealed - number 4, "Low self-esteem will cause a person to remain mute." In some of the business settings I've been a part of, the loudest people in the room are usually the weakest link, and they voice themselves out of an overcompensation for what they believe they lack, rather than having a true self-confidence.
I have also seen examples that support what the book talks about where people will remain quiet to avoid conflict. Being unpopular is a tough place to be, and keeping silent will usually keep you out of the mix.
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