Classic study: Sherif et al (1954/1961) Flashcards
What was the overall aim of Sherif’s study?
To find out what factors make two groups develop hostile relationships and then to see how this hostility can be reduced.
What was the specific aim of Sherif’s study?
To see if two groups of boys can be manipulated into conflict through competition and then conflict resolution by working together.
What type of experiment was Sherif’s study?
Field experiment.
Who were used in the sample?
- 22 boys
- 11 years old
- From Oklahoma, America
- Selected from opportunity sampling
What participant design was used?
Matched pair design.
What were the 3 stages of the experiment?
1) In-group formation
2) Group conflict (friction phase)
3) Conflict resolution (integration phase)
Describe the procedure of the study.
- A field study of 2 groups of 11 year old boys from America. They were matched on IQ and similar sporting abilities.
- None of the boys were aware of each other’s existence and were randomly assigned into 2 groups.
- 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).
What is the IV and DV?
IV = The stage of the experiment
DV = Intergroup behaviour and level of competition measured
What were the results of phase 1?
In-group formation
- Group stereotypes emerged with verbal hostility to out-groups.
What were the results of phase 2?
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).
What were the results of phase 3?
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).
What were the conclusions of Sherif’s experiment?
- Found that the boys required little encouragement to be competitive.
- 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 group and underestimate the abilities of out-groups.
