Jane Elliot – Flashcards

To reduce prejudice amongst children. To emphasise the effects of discrimination and group bias on personal attribute and self-esteem.

She divided her class into two groups - blue eyed people and brown eyed people. She gave privileges to blue eyed people one day and made the brown eyed people wear collars to distance themselves with the blue eyed people. The next day the roles were reversed.

When blue eyed students had privileges they became arrogant and discriminated towards the other group (labelled them) and performed academically. When the roles were reversed the results were the same.

Being a member in a group affects how you view yourself and how you treat others.

Lacks population validity - all the children were from America

High ecological validity - study conducted in an natural environment

Breaks ethical guidelines - children were emotionally harmed.