Classic Study: Sherif et al. (1954/1961)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

Find out what factors make two groups develop hostile relationships. Then see how the hostility can be reduced.

Question 2

Sample

Answer 2

24 (22) PP boys.
Eleven years old.
Opportunity sampling.

2 left due to homesickness.

Repeated Measures

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

Both groups unaware of each other.

Junior counselors were college students earning money during summer.

Senior Counselors were PP observers supervising the boys. Did not influence them.

Question 4

Ingroup Formation

Answer 4

Each group had tasks to complete and found the existence of the other group during this time, immediately requesting a baseball game.

Question 5

Friction Phase

Answer 5

Tournament between the groups such as sports. Trophy for winners as well as knives and medals.

Question 6

Integration Phase

Answer 6

Bring two groups together by them watching films together and have dinner. This failed.

When he introduced a blocked water pipe, it forced them to work together.

Question 7

Results

Answer 7

Boys required little encouragement to be competitive.

Friction Phase: Name calling, burning down flags, night raids with bats.

Integration Phase: Food fights, name calling. Reduced hostility. By the end the Rattlers shared 5$ to buy drinks.

Question 8

Conclusions

Answer 8

Supports RCT.

When in competitive situations ingroup solidarity and outgroup hostility increases.

Friction is reduced when 2 groups work to a common goal.

Question 9

Strength

Answer 9

Matching the 2 groups increased internal validity.

Ensured an even match of personalities, skills and interests.

This ensured that results could not be explained due to pre-existing differences.

Question 10

Competing

Answer 10

2 boys went home due to homesickness which ruined the careful matching as one group had 2 less members giving the other an advantage.

Reduces internal validity.

Question 11

Weakness

Answer 11

Research failed to replicate the findings.

Study included 30 boys each in one of four patrols and knew each other well.

Ingroup solidarity decreased. Suggests competition may only elicit prejudice when they do not know each other well.

Question 12

Application

Answer 12

Reduce prejudice in society, using idea of superordinate goals.

Researchers used this idea to develop a classroom to tackle racial prejudice in schools. Students had to work together in a group project.

Resulted in them liking each other more and greater academic results for ethnic minorities.