Jenness (1932)

Question 1

What was the aim of Jenness’ study?

Answer 1

To investigate whether individual judgements of jellybeans in a jar was influenced by discussion in groups.

Question 2

What was Jenness’ procedure?

Answer 2

Participants made individual, private estimates of the number of jellybeans in a jar.
Participants then discussed their estimates either in a large group or in several smaller groups, discovering in the process that individuals differed widely in their estimates.
After discussion, group estimates were created.
Participants then made a second individual, private estimate.

Question 3

What were the findings of Jenness’ study?

Answer 3

Typicality of opinion was increased - individuals’ second estimates tended to coverage (move towards) their group estimate.
The average change of opinion was greater among females - women conformed more.

Question 4

Why is this study important?

Answer 4

Informational social influence - when unsure, people look to others for guidance.

Question 5

What are the weaknesses of the Jenness experiment?

Answer 5

• Lacks ecological validity - doesn’t apply to real life as it is jelly beans.
• Lacks temporal validity - study was conducted in 1932 so it is outdated and can’t apply the findings to this day.
• The findings stated women conformed more than men. However, in the 30s women played more social roles and now they may be more comfortable than the 30s.
• Deception, informed consent.

Question 6

What are the strengths of Jenness experiment?

Answer 6

• Cheap and easy to replicate
• Controlled setting, researcher has control over extraneous variables.