Minimal Group Paradigm

The Minimal Group Paradigm is a psychological concept that shows how easily people can form groups and favor their own group, even based on trivial criteria. In studies, participants are randomly assigned to groups based on insignificant traits—like preference for certain colors or abstract paintings. Despite these arbitrary divisions, people tend to show bias, such as giving more rewards to their own group members and discriminating against others. This phenomenon highlights how social identity and in-group favoritism can emerge from minimal distinctions, influencing behavior and attitudes in broader social contexts.