Robbers Cave Experiment

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To examine how intergroup competition leads to prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination towards an outgroup.

Question 2

Partcipants

Answer 2

22 boys aged 11 and 12 years old, who did not know each other previously. All Caucasian, average intelligence, and came from stable protestant middle class families.

Question 3

Materials

Answer 3

Questionaries measuring attitudes toward fellow participants.

Question 4

Independent variable

Answer 4

Whether there was a competitive environment or a cooperative environment.

Question 5

Dependent variable

Answer 5

The attitude towards members of the ingroup and outgroup in the groups.

Question 6

Procedure

Answer 6

The boys were invited to attend a summer camp and were not made aware that they were experimental participants. The boys were RANDOMLY ASSIGNED into 2 groups. Whilst here, their behaviour was observed with hidden cameras ad microphones.

Question 7

Key finding 1

Answer 7

Group formation: The Eagles and The Rattlers, were formed. Group leaders were established, group symbols, and their own ways to perform tasks.

Question 8

Key finding 2:

Answer 8

Intergroup competition: During intergroup activities, each group would plan raids against the other along with name calling and physical scuffles. Researchers were successful in forming prejudice and conflict between the groups.

Question 9

Key finding 3:

Answer 9

Intergroup cooperation: Contact hypothesis was not enough to reduce prejudice between the groups, however, having the boys work together to achieve superordinate goals (pulling the stuck truck that was supposed to deliver food) was successful, reducing prejudice and forming positive relationships between them.

Question 10

Contribution to psychology

Answer 10

Results can be applied to social identity theory, and gave a rise to Sheriff for developing realistic conflict theory between groups.

Question 11

Criticisms

Answer 11

1. All participants were white middle class- males, therefore the results could not be generalised to other genders, races, ages or social classes.
2. Boys were not aware they were being observed, they were unable to give their informed consent or withdraw themselves.
3. Sherif had performed this experiment before, however did not get the results he desired.

Question 12

Hypothesis

Answer 12

Intergroup conflict and hostility could be reduced through the introduction of superordinate goals that requires cooperation between the conflicting groups.