Sherif classic study

Question 1

Describe the disadvantage of Sherifs classic study

Answer 1

• Subsequent research by Tyerman and Spencer (1983) failed to replicate the results
• A sea scout leader, Tyerman decided to study his sea scout troop of 30 boys, they each belonged to 1 of 4 patrols and knew each other very well
• At their annual 2 week camp Tyerman observed that intergroup solidarity within each patrol did not increase, it decreased a little and the different patrols interacted well as a troop rather than becoming hostile towards each other during a competition phase
• This suggests that competition may only elict prejudice from people who do not already know each other very well

Question 2

Describe the advantage of Sherifs classic study

Answer 2

• Sherif’s allocation of participants to the conditions improved the internal validity of the study
• The researchers spent more than 300 hours observing, interviewing and testing the potential participants until they found the final 22
• Who then carefully allocated across the two groups to ensure an even match of personalities, skills and interests
• This ensured that the results could not be explained as due to pre-existing differences between the two groups of boys
• So the results were really dependant on the situations which were created

Question 3

Describe the application of Sherifs classic study

Answer 3

• The study can be applied to reducing prejudice in society, using the idea of superordinate goals
• Aronson and Bridgeman (1979) used Sherif et al’s idea about superordinate goals to develop the jigsaw classroom
• It was an intervention for tackling racial prejudice in American schools
• Students had to work together and take responsibility for a different part of a group project
• The end result was increased liking and empathy towards out-group members and improved academic performance for black minority students

Question 4

Describe the conclusion in Sherifs classic study

Answer 4

1. Intergroup competition leads to increased in-group favouritism and solidarity but also more out-group hostility
2. Increased social contact is not enough to reduce prejudice but a series of superordinate goals can reduce prejudice effectively

Question 5

Describe the method of Sherif classic study

Answer 5

1. Field experiment used repeated measures, a questionnaire was asked at the start and the end.
2. 22 white middle-class, protestant, 11-year-old boys.
3. Divided into 2 groups, the parents and the children’s doctors gave consent for full participation in all activities
4. Quantitive and qualitative data was collected by: covert observation, recordings, a ranked scale to measure the boy’s beliefs about each other and questionnaires.

Question 6

Describe the group formation stage in Sheriffs classic study

Answer 6

The boys took part in a non-competitive activity so they would bond with the group, activities included canoeing and tent pitching. 2 eagles went home towards the end of the week due to homesickness.

Question 7

Describe the results from stage 3: reducing friction in Sherifs classic study

Answer 7

Social contact and superordinate tasks initially did little to reduce friction

Soon after doing activities such as fixing the water supply, the groups were hurling insults but after more activities, the boys made dinner together and hostility was greatly reduced.

The boys entertained each other around the campfire and left as friends on the same bus. Out-group friendship has increased.

Question 8

Describe the reducing friction stage in Sherifs classic study

Answer 8

Initial tasks involved increased social contact, and later superordinate goals were introduced such as tasks that required intergroup cooperation.

Question 9

Describe the results from stage 1: group formation in Sherifs classic study

Answer 9

The groups called themselves the “rattlers” and the “eagles”, leaders were established and differing social norms became apparent - the rattlers were tough and swore a lot whereas the eagles cried more when injured and were anti-swearing

Question 10

Describe the friction stage in Sherifs classic study

Answer 10

Each group learnt of the other’s existence, the researchers created a tournament with prizes of medals and a trophy for the winners.

Contests included tug of war and baseball.

Extra points were awarded for cabin inspections, comedy sketches and a treasure hunt

Question 11

Describe the aim of Sherif classic study

Answer 11

To explore how competition and frustration of a group’s goals can lead to unfavourable stereotyping and prejudiced attitudes towards an out-group, and encourage in-group solidarity and cooperation.

Question 12

List the stages of Sherifs classic study

Answer 12

1. Group formation
2. Friction
3. Reducing friction

Question 13

Describe the results from stage 2: friction in Sherifs classic study

Answer 13

Both groups wanted to challenge the other to a baseball contest and hostility developed rapidly

There was name-calling, fights and scuffles, they raided each other’s cabins, took each other’s possessions and one group burnt the other flag.

Ranked scales showed more intergroup members were seen as brave, tough and friendly than outgroup members who were more seen as sneaky.