Classic study: Sherif et al Flashcards
Aim
Study origins of prejudice arising from formation of social groups. Make one group of young boys frustrated with another group to see if negative attitudes developed and how to reduce such friction.
Sample
22 boys aged 11
All from Protestant Oklahoma families
Matched into 2 groups based on IQ, ratings from teachers and sporting ability
Procedure: ingroup formation
- two groups kept apart for one week
- work together to achieve common goals
- researchers noted individual status and roles in groups
Procedure: intergroup relations
- two groups made aware of each other’s presence
- competed in number of activities eg tug of war
- rewards were given to those with most points
- groups became hostile to eachother
Procedure: intergroup relations (integration)
- eliminating prejudice and discrimination
- superordinate goals given eg fixing water tank
Data collection
Observation: allocated each group for 12 hours a day, recorder use of derogatory terms and rated stereotyping
Socio-metric analysis- measured development of friendship
Experimental- set number of tasks and performance was measured eg collecting beans and estimating number
Tape recordings- adjectives and phrases recorded
Results: in group formation
- boys gave their groups names
- overestimated their number of beans and underestimated the opposite teams
- groups leader and other positions were in place
Results: intergroup relations
- when found out about eachother they wanted to have group competition
- rattlers were excited and discussed protecting their flag
- eagles were not as excited made comments eg we will meet them
- a lot of name calling when first met
Results : intergroup relations (integration)
- hostility evident at beginning
- started walking together to achieve superordinate goals, prejudice subsided
- groups cooperated on decisions eg going to the movie
- outgroup members were chosen as friends
Conclusion
In groups formed as a result of having to solve problems together. Competition between groups led to in group hostility. Groups need to share responsibility for friction to be reduced
Results: in group formation
- boys gave their groups names
- overestimated their number of beans and underestimated the opposite teams
- groups leader and other positions were in place
Results: intergroup relations
- when found out about eachother they wanted to have group competition
- rattlers were excited and discussed protecting their flag
- eagles were not as excited made comments eg we will meet them
- a lot of name calling when first met
Results : intergroup relations (integration)
- hostility evident at beginning
- started walking together to achieve superordinate goals, prejudice subsided
- groups cooperated on decisions eg going to the movie
- outgroup members were chosen as friends
Conclusion
In groups formed as a result of having to solve problems together. Competition between groups led to in group hostility. Groups need to share responsibility for friction to be reduced
