Classic Study: Sherif et al. (1954): Robbers Cave Experiment: Flashcards
The Aim of Sherif:
To see if P could be causes by the formation of social groups, competition for resources and to see if P could be reduced.
Where did Sherif take place?
Took place at a camp at the Robbers Cave State Park, Oklahoma.
Who were the ppts of Sherif?
Ppts were 22 males, aged 11, they didn’t know each other prior to the research, they had a similar education level and they were protestant.
What experimental design did Sherif use?
Matched pairs, as they were based on IQ, teachers rating of behaviour, sporting ability.
What Data Collection was used in Sherif?
Ppt Observation: Recorded the use of derogatory terms and rated stereotyping.
Socio-metric analysis: Measured Friendship patterns.
Experimental: Measuring performance on tasks.
Tape recording: Analysed the positive and negative terms used towards each other.
What happened in stage 1: In-group formation:
Kept apart for one week, to form and establish relationships and group names. Work together to achieve common goals.
What happened in stage 2: Intergroup relations (Friction):
Aware of each other, Tournament set up, had to complete activities, rewards given to the winner.
What happened in stage 3: Intergroup relations (integration):
Superordinate goals, to see if prejudice could be reduced, common aims.
Results of Stage 1:
Group names: Rattlers and Eagles. A group leader and status positions were in place.
Results Stage 2:
Lots of name-calling. Rattlers were excited to discuss issues such as protecting their flag and discussed eagles with hostility. “They shouldn’t be swimming in our swimming hole”. The Eagles weren’t as excited, “We will beat them” Burnt the Rattlers’ flag. Prejudice and Discrimination are openly displayed.
Results of Stage 3:
Initially they were hostile. Subsided by Superordinate goals, Went half for the movie. Friendship groups changed and friction was reduced by superordinate goals.
Quantitative Results:
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The Conclusion of Sherif:
Competition between the groups led to in-group solidarity and inter-group hostility. Contact isn’t enough to reduce hostility. Shared responsibility reduces friction.
One Strength of Sherif:
P: One strength of Sherif is that he used matched pairs.
E: For example, all ppts were matched on IQ, teachers rating of behaviour and sporting ability.
C: This is a strength as it reduces individual differences and extraneous variables making the results more accurate to see if competition creates conflict.
One Weakness of Sherif:
P: One weakness of Sherif is that it’s a restricted sample to see how competition creates conflict.
E: For example, the ppts used were boys aged 11 and there were 22 of them from Oklahoma.
C: Therefore this will make the results not generalisable for females or older people on competition and conflict.
