minimal groups

[/ˈmɪnɪməl ɡruːps/]
nounpl: minimal groups
grupos mínimos
1. In social psychology, experimental groups created with minimal criteria for membership, used to study intergroup behavior and bias with variables stripped to their essentials
The minimal groups paradigm demonstrates that people show ingroup favoritism even when group membership is based on trivial distinctions.
O paradigma dos grupos mínimos demonstra que as pessoas mostram favoritismo intragrupral mesmo quando a filiação grupal é baseada em distinções triviais.
2. Artificially constructed groups in experimental settings where members have no interaction history, communication, or shared interests
Researchers used minimal groups to isolate the effects of group identity on resource allocation decisions.
Os pesquisadores usaram grupos mínimos para isolar os efeitos da identidade grupal nas decisões de alocação de recursos.
The minimal groups paradigm is a cornerstone concept in social psychology, developed by Henri Tajfel in the 1970s. It has influenced how researchers understand group behavior, discrimination, and intergroup conflict across cultures, including Brazil and Portugal. The concept is particularly relevant in understanding prejudice and bias in organizational and educational settings.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
trivial groupsartificial groupsad hoc groupsexperimental groups
Antonyms / Antônimos
natural groupsestablished groupslong-term groups

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
grupos mínimos
Standard term used in Brazilian psychology literature and universities
São Paulo
grupos mínimos
Commonly used in academic contexts at major universities
Portugal
grupos mínimos
Same usage as Brazil; standard academic terminology
USA/English-speaking
minimal groups
Foundational concept in social psychology research

Related Words

ingroup biassocial identity theoryintergroup behaviorgroup membershipHenri Tajfel

Related Idioms & Phrases

minimal groups paradigm
minimal groups effect
minimal group situation
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