Abrams et al :SID (SC)

Aim

To determine if an in-group identity would affect one’s willingness to conform.

Sample

50 U.S. undergraduate psychology students.

Research Design

Independent measures design.

Procedure

Participants identified which of 3 lines matched a stimulus line. Confederates gave unanimous incorrect answers in half the trials. Groups were manipulated into "in-group" (psychology students) or "out-group" (history students). Responses were either public (spoken) or private (written).

Results

Conformity was highest in the in-group public condition. In private conditions, conformity differences were not significant. Social categorization primarily influences the decision to conform publicly.

Conclusion

People tend to exaggerate similarities within in-groups, perceiving in-group members as more likely to be "correct" to maintain group identity.

Limitations

Low ecological validity (artificial lab task). Only tests a single variable (major) which lacks real-world complexity. Limited generalizability due to the specific sample of U.S. psych students.

Shortcut : Abrams

Abraham Lincoln +history students in group