Research Into Conformity (Sherif)

Question 1

What was the aim of Sherif’s experiment?

Answer 1

To see whether people conform to group norms when they are put in an ambiguous situation

Question 2

Method: what effect did the study involve?

Answer 2

Autokinetic effect, an illusion where a spot of light wheb projected in a screen appears to move, but doesn’t

Question 3

Method: How many estimates (of what) were participants asked to make and what group size were they tested in?

Answer 3

Estimates of how far the light moved vaired considerably when participants were asked to make 4 estimations.

P’s were then tested in groups of 3, each person saying out loud how far the light moved.

Question 4

Results: What was found over a number of trials?

Answer 4

That the group moved moved to a common estimate.

Question 5

Results: What did Sherif say that this showed?

Answer 5

That people would always tend to conform: that people come to a group decision rather than make an individual one

Question 6

Conclusion: In what situation will a person adopt a group norm and what is this known as?

Answer 6

In an ambiguous situation a person will look to others for guidance. This is known as informational conformity