Pluralistic ignorance is a psychological phenomenon where individuals incorrectly assume that their private beliefs, feelings, or behaviours differ from those of the majority. This misperception can significantly impact social change movements. It often occurs when individuals who privately reject societal norms erroneously believe that most others accept them. As a result, they might suppress their dissenting views, slowing the momentum for change. However, once the veil of pluralistic ignorance is lifted - often through the vocal advocacy of a minority or a pivotal event - individuals realise that their views are shared by others, emboldening them to express their opinions and join social change movements. This can lead to a rapid shift in public opinion and societal norms. Understanding pluralistic ignorance is essential in recognising the barriers to social change and the potential tipping points that can trigger widespread societal transformation.

Group polarisation refers to the tendency of a group to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclination of its members. This phenomenon can significantly influence the process of social change. When individuals within a movement or advocating for a cause engage in group discussions, their views may become more extreme or solidified. This can lead to a more radical approach to advocacy, potentially accelerating the pace of social change by pushing boundaries further. However, it can also have the opposite effect, where the radicalisation of views might alienate moderate supporters or the general public, slowing down the acceptance of the movement's goals. Group polarisation can, therefore, either fuel or hinder social change, depending on how it affects the perception of the movement by the wider society. Understanding this can be crucial for social change advocates in strategising their approach to influence public opinion and policy.

The snowball effect in social change refers to a process where a small action or movement gains momentum over time, eventually leading to substantial change. This is directly related to the concept of minority influence in social change. A minority advocating a new idea or change starts like a small snowball; their influence is initially limited. However, as they continue to push for change and more people start to adopt their viewpoints, the movement gathers momentum. As the movement grows, it becomes easier to recruit new members and spread the message, much like a snowball rolling down a hill, gathering more snow and increasing in size. This effect illustrates how persistent minority groups, through consistent and compelling advocacy, can initiate changes that eventually attract widespread support, leading to significant societal transformations. The snowball effect underscores the potential of a determined minority to instigate major social changes over time.

The Boomerang effect refers to a situation where attempts to influence or persuade result in the opposite of the intended effect. In the context of minority influence leading to social change, this effect can be observed when a minority's attempts to persuade the majority are too aggressive or confrontational, leading the majority to strengthen their opposition to the minority's viewpoint. This counterproductive outcome highlights the importance of strategy in minority influence. Minorities must strike a balance between being assertive enough to be noticed and persuasive, and not so forceful that they alienate potential supporters. Successful social change often hinges on the ability of the minority to present their ideas in a manner that challenges the majority's views without triggering defensive or hostile reactions. The Boomerang effect underscores the delicate nature of influencing for social change and the need for tactical communication and advocacy.

Social cryptomnesia is a phenomenon where the origins of social change become forgotten or obscured over time. It is directly related to social influence in social change as it often involves forgetting or downplaying the role of minority groups in initiating these changes. For instance, many social movements start with a small group of individuals advocating for change. As their ideas gain acceptance and become mainstream, the society adopts these new norms without necessarily acknowledging or remembering the original advocates or the struggles they faced. This phenomenon highlights a psychological aspect of social change where the contributions of minority influences are absorbed into the social fabric, becoming 'invisible' yet integral parts of societal norms. Understanding social cryptomnesia helps in recognising the full scope of how social influence processes contribute to long-term changes in society.