Classic Study: Sherif et al. (1954/1961) Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

Aim

A

Find out what factors make two groups develop hostile relationships. Then see how the hostility can be reduced.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Sample

A

24 (22) PP boys.
Eleven years old.
Opportunity sampling.

2 left due to homesickness.

Repeated Measures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Procedure

A

Both groups unaware of each other.

Junior counselors were college students earning money during summer.

Senior Counselors were PP observers supervising the boys. Did not influence them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Ingroup Formation

A

Each group had tasks to complete and found the existence of the other group during this time, immediately requesting a baseball game.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Friction Phase

A

Tournament between the groups such as sports. Trophy for winners as well as knives and medals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Integration Phase

A

Bring two groups together by them watching films together and have dinner. This failed.

When he introduced a blocked water pipe, it forced them to work together.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Results

A

Boys required little encouragement to be competitive.

Friction Phase: Name calling, burning down flags, night raids with bats.

Integration Phase: Food fights, name calling. Reduced hostility. By the end the Rattlers shared 5$ to buy drinks.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Conclusions

A

Supports RCT.

When in competitive situations ingroup solidarity and outgroup hostility increases.

Friction is reduced when 2 groups work to a common goal.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Strength

A

Matching the 2 groups increased internal validity.

Ensured an even match of personalities, skills and interests.

This ensured that results could not be explained due to pre-existing differences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Competing

A

2 boys went home due to homesickness which ruined the careful matching as one group had 2 less members giving the other an advantage.

Reduces internal validity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Weakness

A

Research failed to replicate the findings.

Study included 30 boys each in one of four patrols and knew each other well.

Ingroup solidarity decreased. Suggests competition may only elicit prejudice when they do not know each other well.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Application

A

Reduce prejudice in society, using idea of superordinate goals.

Researchers used this idea to develop a classroom to tackle racial prejudice in schools. Students had to work together in a group project.

Resulted in them liking each other more and greater academic results for ethnic minorities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly