Classic study: Sherif et al (1954/1961)

Question 1

What was the overall aim of Sherif’s study?

Answer 1

To find out what factors make two groups develop hostile relationships and then to see how this hostility can be reduced

Question 2

What was the specific aim of Sherif’s study?

Answer 2

To see if two groups of boys can be manipulated into conflict through competition and then conflict resolution by working together

Question 3

What type of experiment was Sherif’s study?

Answer 3

Field experiment

Question 4

Who were used in the sample?

Answer 4

• 22 boys
• 11 years old
• From Oklahoma, America
• Selected from opportunity sampling

Question 5

What participant design was used?

Answer 5

Matched pair design

Question 6

What were the 3 stages of the experiment?

Answer 6

1) In-group formation
2) Group conflict (friction phase)
3) Conflict resolution (integration phase)

Question 7

Describe the procedure of the study.

Answer 7

• Researchers randomly divided the boys into two groups of 11
• The groups arrived separately, all boys unaware of the other groups existance
• The experiment was broken down into 3 different phases:
  1) In-group formation - Gave their groups names (The Rattlers and The Eagles) and became familiar with group norms and cultures. Both groups discovered existence of each other
  2) Friction phase - Groups came in contact with each other and participated in sports competitions. Winners promised a trophy along with other prizes
  3) Integration phase - Activities to reduce friction by increasing contact (such as eating together) and solving problems that require teamwork to reach superordinate goals (such as the water shortage problem)

Question 8

What is the IV and DV?

Answer 8

IV = The stage of the experiment
DV = Intergroup behaviour and level of competition measured

Question 9

What were the results of phase 1?

Answer 9

In-group formation
- Group stereotypes emerged with verbal hostility to out-groups

Question 10

What were the results of phase 2?

Answer 10

Friction phase
- Boys characterised in-group with favourable terms and out-group with unfavourable terms
- Prejudice went from verbal to physical (fighting)
- Outgroup friendships at end of friction phase: 6.4% (R) 7.7% (E)

Question 11

What were the results of phase 3?

Answer 11

Integration phase
- Contact between groups had little success in resolving conflict
- Tasks that required cooperation between the groups caused hostility to reduce.
- Outgroup friendships at end of integration phase: 36.4% (R) 23.2% (E)

Question 12

What were the conclusions of Sherif’s experiment?

Answer 12

• Competition for lack of resources cause prejudice
• Increased contact doesn’t help to reduce conflict
• Working towards a superordinate goal helps reduce conflict
• People overestimate the abilities of their in-group and underestimate the abilities of out-groups