Minimal Groups Studies - Tajfel et al (1970)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

Test whether simple act of grouping was enough to produce prejudice between groups of very similar people

Question 2

Sample population

Answer 2

48 schoolboys14-15Year 10Bristol scool

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

Shown paintings by unknown artistsChose preferenceRandomly assigned to groups (painting preference did not matter they were preassigned)Given rewards allocation task (chose points to award their own and other group)

Question 4

Findings

Answer 4

First result in boys awarding ingroup members more points = self interest?Tajfels varied matrices to test further to see if it i jut self interest

Question 5

Matrice

Answer 5

Maximises ingroup benefit = 19 21Maximises fairnes = 13 13Maximises joint profit = 17 25Maximising the difference = 7 1They maximised the differenceIrrationalSocial identity = ensure group was superior to other group boosting their self esteem

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

Categorising boys into meaningless groups caused them to identify with ingroup and engineer a positie social identity by giving their group more pointsDid this even if it meant they got fewer point as long as their group was on top

Question 7

Evaluation

Answer 7

Lemyre and smith 1985Followed minimal group procedure and replicated findingsFound disriminating participants had improved self esteem folowing experimentSupports that personal identity in bound up in social identity and discrimination enhances both aspectsLab experient = demand characteristics, acted how they believed they should act

Question 8

Issues and debate

Answer 8

ScientificHigh levels of control = no interaction between groups and no prior history of conflict Not necessarily good for measuring social behaviour