1. Laboratory Experiments
Tajfel (1970) – Intergroup discrimination

2. Introduction
Lab experiments are used in the socio-cultural level of analysis
Method used to investigate something with several variables in a controlled environment
Can include observations, and questionnaires
Controlled environment and standardized procedures

3. Advantages The independent variable manipulates the dependent variable
Confounding variable
Cause and effect relationship
Variables can be controlled
Easy to replicate

4. Disadvantages Results may be too controlled
Artificial environment – lack of ecological validity
Deception may be necessary
Results may be biased due to demand characteristics

5. Tajfel (1970)
To investigate if boys placed in random groups based on an arbitrary task would display intergroup favoritism and intergroup discrimination
64 participants (school boys)
Went to psychology lab in groups of 8
Shown numbers of dots, had to estimate

6. Tajfel (1970) Second experiment – allocated to random groups
Based on artistic preferences
Had to award money to each boy once being told each ones group

7. Results More money to members of own group
2nd – tried to maximize the difference between the two groups
Both experiments indicate that the boys adopted strategy of in-group favoritism

8. Evaluation
Contributed to development and support of social identity theory
Demonstrated that a minimal group is all that’s necessary for individuals to exhibit discrimination against out-groups
Criticized for artificiality and demand characteristics
Boy may have interpreted task s a competitive game, therefore reacted how they did

9. Bibliography
theory.html
advantages-and-disadvantages-of-experiments- in-psycholog/
Psychology for the IB diploma (Study Guide)