Minimal groups paradigm

Minimal groups paradigm is a term used in social psychology experiments (e.g. Tajfel, 1970) where people are assigned to random groups. Once in these random groups, group members are made aware that they are part of a group. From here a natural phenomenon occurs, where group members will begin to associate superiority to their group over and above other out-groups. This is done via mechanism explained in social identity theory and self-categorization theory, where in-group members seek for collective-esteem building social comparisons with other groups. For example, in-group members may attribute the achievements of out-groups to luck, or contextual circumstances; additionally, in-group members will attribute their own achievements to the success of the group and the benefits of their aims and ethos. In-group members will also make biased comparisons with less-fortunate out-groups to support the validity and legitimacy of their beliefs, values and behaviours. By doing such, in-group members are able to enhance the boundaries between groups, allowing their group to be distinct from others. Threat to distinction in minimal groups is often overcome by making more biased social comparison, by expelling black sheep (anti-norm deviants), and re-categorizing the in-group to exclude members that share out-group values.

Tajfel, H. (1970). Experiments in intergroup discrimination. Scientific American, 223, 96-102.