Sherif 1935

Question 1

Sherif

Answer 1

1935

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

Investigate response to an ambiguous stimuli using the autokinetic effect (a stationary point of light appears to move in a dark room)

Question 3

Method

Answer 3

Participants were told the light was going to move and they had to estimate how far it had been moved. When tested individually several times no answer at fluctuated and worldwide difference between participant estimates. They then heard estimates from two other people after a discussion each participant was asked to provide individual answers again

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

A group norm emerged, where estimates became closer to the ones they had heard so the answers converged

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

There is a tendency to conform to the group norm especially in an ambiguous situation

Question 6

Evaluation

Answer 6

First study to look at the power of a group, lab experiment low ecological validity