Gamson et al (1982)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate obedience to authority in a group situation

Are groups more likely to rebel against authority than individuals?

Question 2

Method and Procedure

Answer 2

33 participants met, were told Mr C was suing an oil company
Asked to discuss Mr C’s lifestyle while being taped
Co ordinator switched off camera at various times and instructed people to argue against Mr C
Then cameras were switched back on
(as if producing tapes to support oil company)

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

When they realised what was going on, some groups threatened to expose the oil company and leak tapes

In all groups, some rebellion occurred
8/9 groups still signed an affidavit giving permission to use tapes

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

Groups behave differently from individuals
If one person rebelled, the minority swayed the majority
However, in some groups people were uncritical and were used to conforming
Despite resistance from individuals, group opinion didn’t change

Question 5

Evaluation

Answer 5

Weakness: Ethical issues- distressed
Planning to run 80 groups, only did 9

Used strangers which lacks ecological validity, we tend to make decisions with people we know