Classic study: Sherif Flashcards
Aim
- if creating in-groups and opposing out-groups would cause prejudice in a group of boys
- If introducing competition would increase prejudice
- If a super-ordinate goal would decrease prejudice
Sample
- 22 boys aged 11
- From Protestant Oklahoma families
- Matched on IQ + sporting ability
- Unaware of study taking place
Where did the study take place?
A summer camp in Robbers Cave, Oklahoma
Methods of measurement
- Observation
- Sociometric data
- Experiments
- Audio recording
Observation
A participant observer was allocated to each group for 12 hours a day
Sociometric analysis
issues such as friendship patterns were noted and studied
Experiment
e.g. boys had to collect beans and estimate how many each boy had collected
Tape recordings
adjectives and phrases used to refer to boys ingroup and to outgroup members were recorded
Procedure
Stage One: In-groups were created by making tasks that required in-group cooperation
Stage Two: The two groups were brought together for competition
Stage three: Superordinate goals were introduced
Stage 1
During the first 5-6 days of the two-week camp, the two groups of boys were kept separate from each-other and each group were involved in activities designed to encourage in-group formation
Stage 2
Two groups were brought together during competition over the next 4-6 days. Groups were subject to orchestrated situations that they would find frustrated and believe were caused by the other group. Stereotypes, behaviours and attitudes between each group were recorded
Stage 3
The final 6-7 days- conflict resolution. Three problem situations were set up that could only be resolved if both groups worked together:
- fixing the water tank that provided water to both groups
- A joint camp- over where group members had to work together for food and sleeping gear
- Starting the broken- down camp bus
What prejudice behaviours did the boy show?
Fighting Name calling (stinkers, sissies) Eagles burnt the Rattlers’ camp flag Camp raids Choosing in group members as best friends
Numerical results
When asked who their friends were out of all the boys 93% selected exclusively from their in-group
What was the effect of going to the cinema together?
There was a noticeable reduction in hostility during supper and the boys took turns at breakfast the next day
What were the super-ordinate goals?
- Fixing the water tank that provided water to both groups
- A joint camp-over where group members had to work together for food and sleeping gear
- Starting the broken-down camp bus
Results
Significant increase in the number of boys whose friendships were now with the out-group compared to the choses made in stage two
2-3 weaknesses about the sample?
Gender biased (only boys)
All from the same area
All Christian
One strength of the sample
Real people, no social desirability
Reliability
Was in a naturalistic setting so there was less control
Some boys were aware of audio equipment- reduces reliability
What real world events can this be applied to??
We see these groups in society today, and often see examples of groups having to work together and changing attitudes as a result of this
How is this high in validity?
Used participant observers to ensure no experimenter bias = increased validity
Participants did not know they were part of an experiment, so their behaviour was natural = higher validity
Several data collection methods were used = higher validity
