Question

Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann's "spiral of silence" theory contends that___________.

a. most individuals are reluctant to speak out against dominant opinion.b. people tend not to express their views until asked.c. people holding deviant opinions tend to be more vocal, and hence silence the majority.d. most individuals like to challenge dominant opinions.e. All of these answers are correct.

Answer 1

Answer:

Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann's "spiral of silence" theory contends that a. most individuals are reluctant to speak out against dominant opinion.

Explanation:

According to Noelle-Neumann's theory, society can isolate members who express opinions that go against what the majority seemingly believes. The fear of being isolated can, therefore, cause an individual or a group to remain silent. In that case, people who believe they are speaking on behalf of a large, strong group, are more vocal. On the other hand, people who think their own opinion is losing power will speak less and less. Eventually, the perceived minority will end up conforming or pretending to conform with the majority's opinion.