Prejudice: Realistic Conflict Theory Flashcards
What is the main idea of Realistic Conflict Theory?
When two or more groups strive for the same goal then prejudice and hostility will intensify.
What is negative interdependence?
When two groups seek to achieve a goal important to both of them, but only one can reach the goal.
When does intergroup conflict occur?
When there is competition for limited resources.
How can intergroup conflict be reduced?
With the introduction of superordinate goals.
What is positive interdependence?
This occurs in situations where neither group can reach its goals unless the other group also reaches theirs.
Positive interdependence can reduce prejudice just like superordinate goals.
What is a strength of realistic conflict theory?
It is supported by Sherif’s Robber’s Cave study.
How does the Robber’s Cave study support RCT?
In stage 2 a situation of negative interdependence developed, during which violence and prejudice increased.
What is a counter argument for the support of Robbers Cave?
Even though it was a field experiment and had good ecological validity, the boys had to be provoked to trigger prejudice or discrimination.
What is a weakness of RCT?
Tajfel’s (1970) minimal group experiment showed that externally imposed competition is not necessary.
Tajfel showed that being in different groups alone could trigger prejudice without any competition.
How does RCT have application value?
The theory and the use of superordinate goals can help reduce prejudice and discrimination, e.g. countries working together with important problems in the world, Paris Agreement on climate change.
How can RCT be used in issues and debates?
Whether psychology is a science.
A theory must be falsifiable to be scientific, i.e. it should be possible to demonstrate that the claims of the theory are wrong.
RCT produces testable hypotheses e.g. the use of superordinate goals reduces prejudice, therefore this shows RCT to be a scientific theory.
