Sherif Flashcards
Why was Sherif arrested in 1943?
For his anti-fascist views
What was Sherif interested in?
how group norms develop through group dynamics
What did sherif reject?
Trait-based examplanations of stereotypes and the great man theory of leadership
What were the boys like?
stable, white, protestant, middle-class
What was stage one?
boys chose their own friends
What was stage two?
boys placed into different groups and cabins
What was stage three?
boys compete for scarce resources
What was stage four?
(only in 1954 study) groups co-operate to achieve superordinate goals
What were the two hypotheses?
group formation and groups in competition
What were the results of the group formation hypothesis?
groups developed an internal structure of leaders and subordinates, so that the group became an organisation
How did the friendships change?
After stage 1, they can be friends with whoever. 1/3 of friends in one group and 2/3 in another group. Competition is introduced.
Stage 2, they change their mind of who they are friends with. 95% is in their group.
How did group culture emerge?
– Use of nicknames – Development of name for the group (Red Devils, Bull Dogs) – Slogans – Myths – Rituals • Group norms were actively enforced
What were the results of the groups in competition hypothesis?
- In Stage 2 intergroup relations had been quite cordial
- This changed once the groups competed for scarce resources (Stage 3)
- Marked decline in quality of intergroup relations (e.g., in cries of “2-4-6-8 who do we apprecia-hate, Red Devils, Red Devils, Red Devils”)
What was the change in leadership?
from charismatic to aggressive
What was the conclusion of group formation?
emergent group norms regulate behaviour
