Status in Experimentally Produced Groups

Abstract

In a study of intra-and intergroup relations utilizing a combination of observational and laboratory methods, two small groups were experimentally produced as a consequence of interaction among individuals. This was done under controlled conditions embodying goals that had a common appeal and that called for interdependent activities for their attainment. It is demonstrated that, when group members face an unstructured task in which they are sufficiently motivated, their estimates of each other's performance are influenced by the status each occupies in the social hierarchy. This finding shows th feasibility of assessing the effects of group interaction by means of laboratory techniques.