ON MY MAC MINI (2011) CAN I, INDEED, INSTALL TWO 8 GIG MEMORY MODULES TO ACHIEVE 16 GIGS? I SEE SOME CONFLICTING INFO IN THE INSTRUCTIONS.

While I'm old and a little hard of hearing, there is no need to shout by typing in all caps.

Yes your 2011 Mac Mini can take 2 x 8GB = 16GB of RAM. However, all Mac's including the Mac Mini's are very picky and not just any aftermarket RAM modules will work. Your best bet is to order a 16GB kit for your Mac Mini directly from OWC macsales.com.

first see > https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/mac-mini

then > https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_Mac_mini/DDR3_1333

and then the install video at > https://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/mac_mini2011/?filter=memory

You're welcome.

FWIW I have 4 Mac Mini's, a 2010, a 2011 and 2 2012's all upgraded to SSD's and they are fast little machines. Sadly IMHO, it is a little late in the game to spend a lot on a 1T SSD upgrade for a 2011, but it might be worth it to put in a smaller SSD, if you plan on keeping it for a while longer.