Tajfel et al (1971) (Sociocultural)

Question 1

Researchers and name

Answer 1

Tajfel et al. 1971

Question 2

What theory is it based on?

Answer 2

Social Identity Theory

Question 3

Aim

Answer 3

Investigate if intergroup discrimination would take place based on being put into different groups.

Question 4

Sample

Answer 4

48 teenage schoolboys

Question 5

Procedure

Answer 5

In Tajfel’s minimal group experiment, participants were randomly assigned to either preferring Klee paintings or Kandinsky paintings. Participants allocated points to two others: one from their group and one from the out-group, using two systems:

System 1: Total points had to sum to 15 (e.g., 8 points to the in-group meant 7 for the out-group).

System 2: Point choices influenced both groups:

High value for in-group = higher profit for the out-group.

Mid-range value = equal points to both groups.

Low value for in-group = minimal points for the out-group.

Question 6

Results

Answer 6

The study found that participants favored their own group, often choosing point allocations that maximized the difference between groups, even at the expense of absolute gain for their own group.

In both conditions, there was demonstration of a tendency toward in-group favoritism and discrimination, and a drive for positive social identity based solely on minimal group distinctions.

Question 7

Evaluation

Answer 7

Limitations:
- The task was highly artificial (lacking ecological validity)
- There may have been demand characteristics. The boys may have simply just tried to please the researchers and “win”
- Sampling bias with participants

Strengths:
- Highly controlled. Better cause and effect established

Question 8

Research method

Answer 8

Lab experiment