Classic study: Sherif et al (Robber's Cave Experiment) Flashcards
What is the aim of the study
To see whether it’s possible to instill prejudice between 2 very similar groups by putting them in comp with each other.
And to see how in group behaviour developed to include related out group hostility and to see how such friction could be reduced
Where did the study take place
It was a field study that took place in a camp at Robbers Cave State Park, Oklahoma which was 200 acres of isolated and suitably laid out, allowing researchers to keep the groups apart or working together.
What are the stages of the experiment
Stage 1 was the in group formation where 2 groups were formed and set up norms and hierarchies. Stage 2 the friction phrase the rattlers and eagles were told about each other and was set up with competitive activities. Stage 3 was the integration phase were superordinate goals were introduced to achieve less hostility
What is the result of the study
In the Integration phase. Hostility remained at the beginning, each group remained separated when they watched the movie. After they worked together on super- ordinate goals as they tried fixing the water pump and celebrated together. More out group members were chosen as friends by the end of stage 3
Explain the bean collecting task
the boys had to collect beans and then judge how many boys had collected. The in group overestimated their abilities and underestimated the out group
One strength of the classic study (validity)
It is supported by ecological Validity as it is representative of a natural environment so it wasn’t an unusual experience for boys in the 1950s. Eg, Sherif et al used a Boy Scout camp in America which was realistic for the boys in the study. Therefore, as the study wasn’t effected by surroundings. The boys natural behaviour showed how conflict created by competition could occur in real life settings
One strength of the classic study (Reliability)
It had well controlled procedure such as the bean collecting task. The boys were asked to collect beans and then judge how many each boy had collected to see if they overestimated the abilities of in group members and minimized the abilities of out group members. Therefore, the study is replicable and can be repeated to see why hostility can be created different groups
One weakness of the classic study (ethics)
Sherif study was unethical as parents and the boys did not know that they were taking part of a study about instilling prejudice in 2 groups of similar boys. Eg, Parents paid a Nominal fee. Parents and the boys thought it was a normal summer camp.Therefore, it was unethical as there was deception
One weakness of the classic study (generalisable)
Not generalisable. Sample was 22, 11 year old white boys from protestant middle class backgrounds in Oklahoma. Therefore, Doesn’t represent wider populations.
