Realistic Conflict Theory - Sherif (1966)

Question 1

Intergroup competition

Answer 1

Prejudice and hostility intensify when 2 or more groups strive for the same goal

Question 2

Negative interdependence

Answer 2

Only 1 person can reach goal
Real conflict of interests

Question 3

Negative and interdependent

Answer 3

Negative = stop other group’s achievement
Interdependent = win is determined upon other groups loss

Question 4

Limited resources

Answer 4

Physical resource = food, territory
Or
Symbolic resources = political power, authority
High levels of prejudice or discrimination
Lower levels if compromise when commodity is subjective

Question 5

Positive interdependence and superordinate goals

Answer 5

Reduces prejudice
Prejudice arises from intergroup conflict and reduces coordination

Question 6

Positive interdependence

Answer 6

Neither group can reach goals unless other group reaches their goal

Question 7

Superordinate goals

Answer 7

Cooperation of both groups

Question 8

Strength

Answer 8

Robbers Cave study
Sports competition
Only 1 group can win, with prizes for winners
NEgative interdependence developed
Competition does lead to intergroup hostility and prejudice

Question 9

Counter argument to strength

Answer 9

Good ecological validity
Boys needed serious provocation to trigger prejudice
Intergroup competition was not direct cause of hostility

Question 10

Weakness

Answer 10

Tajfel’s 1970 shows prejudice can happen if you see someone as “not like me”
Boys treat others on group membership alone
Prejudice may be less about competition and more about self worth

Question 11

Application

Answer 11

RCT says intergroup relations can be enhances y introducing superordinate goals
Require in-group and out-group members to cooperate to get goal which would be unobtainable without