Classic Study: Sherif Et Al. robber’s Cave

Question 1

What is this experiment investigating?

Answer 1

Inter group conflict and cooperation

Question 2

AIM

Answer 2

To look at inter group relations over a period of time in order to investigate group formation, the effect of competition and the conditions under which conflict could be resolved.

Question 3

SETTING

Answer 3

Robber’s cave camp in Oklahoma

Question 4

DURATION

Answer 4

Two week camp (parents were paid $25 to incentivise them not to visit the boys during this period)

Question 5

RECRUITMENT/SAMPLING METHOD

Answer 5

Opportunity sample of 200 boys from schools in Oklahoma City

Question 6

PARTICIPANTS

Answer 6

• 22 ,middle class, white, Protestant, 11 year olds from Oklahoma

• All socially and emotionally well adjusted

• None of the boys knew each other prior to camp

Question 7

PROCEDURE

Answer 7

There were three stages to this field experiment. A field experiment is where the behaviour would usually occur

Question 8

What can we conclude from the results of this study?

Answer 8

• Intergeoup competition leads to increased in group favouritism and solidarity but also to out group hostility

• Increased social contact is not enough to reduce prejudice but a series of superordinate goals can reduce prejudice effectively

Question 9

STAGE 1
•created in-groups

Answer 9

• Divided into 2 groups
- The Rattlers or the Eagles
- equivalent abilities e.g IQ, sporting ability

• Non-competitive activities
- bond with their group
- canoeing, tent pitching, building campfires

• 2 eagles went home by the end of the week due to home sickness