If experimental groups are created using the minimal group paradigm, which of the following characteristics do these groups have?
A) Participants will be separated by gender, with males in one group and females in another group.
B) Participants will be separated by race, with white participants in one group and black participants in another.
C) Groups will be created using meaningless and arbitrary criteria so that there is no real difference between the groups.
D) Groups will be created by allowing participants to choose whom they would rather work with.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The minimal group paradigm involves creating groups using meaningless and arbitrary criteria so that there is no real difference between the groups. This allows researchers to study the effects of group membership without any confounding variables related to actual group differences such as shared history, culture, or experiences. Options A and B involve creating groups based on actual differences (gender and race) and option D involves allowing participants to choose their own groups, which could lead to self-selection bias.

If Experimental Groups Are Created Using the Minimal Group Paradigm