Abrams, Dominic; Wetherell, Margaret; Cochrane, Sandra; Hogg, Michael A. and Turner, John
(1990).
Self-categorization and the nature of norm formation, conformity, and group polarization.
British Journal of Social Psychology, 29(2),
pp. 97–121.
Abstract
Contrasted theoretical approaches to social influence that stress interpersonal dependence or group membership, using 3 influence paradigms: (1) M. Sherif's (1936) autokinetic effect paradigm (AEP) (2) S. Asch's (1952) conformity effect paradigm (CEP) and (3) a group polarization paradigm (GPP). Three experiments were conducted with a total of 194 undergraduates and 116 16–17 yr olds. In the AEP, the impact of confederates on the formation of a norm decreased as their membership of a different category was made more salient. In the CEP, surveillance exerted normative pressure if done by an in-group but not an out-group. In the GPP, when categorical differences between 2 subgroups of a discussion were made salient, convergence of opinion between the subgroups was inhibited.
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