Hamilton and Gifford (1976)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate distinciveness based illusory correlation.

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

• 35 male, 35 female undergraduates.
• Participants were shown a series of slides, each with a statement about one of two groups (A and B).
• There were twice as many people in group A (majority group) than group B (minority group).
• Participants were told prior to experiment that group B was smaller.
• Each statement was either positive or negative and there were the same proportion of positive and negative comments for each group.
• Statements were on an individual in each group.
• Participants were then asked to rank members of each group on a series of of 20 traits (positive and negative).
• After completing this task, they were given a booklet in which they were given a statement and then asked if the person who did this was from group A or B, and asked how many statements for each group had been ‘undesirable’.

Question 3

Findings

Answer 3

• On the trait ratings, group A was ranked higher than group B for positive traits and lower for negative.
• In the booklet, participants correctly recalled more positive traits for group A than group B and more negative traits for group B than group A.
• Participants overestimated the amount of negative traits in the minority group.

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

Argued this was because the minority group was by nature smaller in number so their negative behaviours appeared more distinct and representative of that group.