NCJ Number
85637
Date Published
1981
Length
127 pages
Annotation
The study tests the effect of informal status conferral by one's peers on an individual's efforts to maintain or achieve status. It assumes that status only has meaning on the basis of some interpersonal interaction and that person will seek to maintain or achieve status within their peer groups regardless of class.
Abstract
The study conferred differential levels of status on a group of college volunteers. It found no differences between high, middle, and low status group members in their status maintenance/achievement behavior (i.e., cheating), although there appeared to be an inverse relationship between the level of status conferred and the degree of status maintenance/achievement behavior exhibited by the subjects. This relationship lacked statistical significance. The study also conferred differential levels of objective status sources on subjects without their confederates present to recognize their achievements. Those tested together appeared more likely to engage in status maintenance/achievement behavior than subjects who took their tests in isolation. The difference between the two groups achieved a near statistical significance level. A faulty theoretical design, the use of only female subjects, the small sample size, or other factors may have accounted for the lack of statistically significant findings. Methodological changes are proposed. Data tables, over 100 references, and additional study data are included.