robbers cave experiment- sterotypes, prejudice, discrimination

Question 1

aim

Answer 1

to examine how intergroup competition leads to prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes towards an outgroup

Question 2

3 stages

Answer 2

1. group formation
2. intergroup competition
3. inter-group cooperation

Question 3

group formation stage

Answer 3

stage 1.
split 22 11-year-old boys into two groups, the groups bonded, created names for themselves and became friends

Question 4

intergroup competition stage

Answer 4

stage 2.
set up competetive activities between the groups, created conflict
boys started stealing from each other, calling names, fighting

Question 5

intergroup co-operation stage

Answer 5

stage 3.
bonding activities between the groups, gave them superordinate goals they had to work together for

Question 6

findings

Answer 6

intergroup contact is not enough to resolve conflict, superordinate goals are needed

Question 7

contributions

Answer 7

led to the realistic conflict theory- that conflict is created for scarce resources
backed up social identity theory

Question 8

criticisms

Answer 8

• no withdrawal rights
• ethical harm- not protected from psychological or emotional harm
• low generalisability- only boys, from white families, in a controlled environment

Question 9

Stage 1 findings

Answer 9

Group formation
group leader emerged, positive attitudes towards each other
bonds formed, boys identified themselves with the group

Question 10

stage 2 findings

Answer 10

Intergroup competition
- intergroup competition will increase discriminatory behaviours and prejudice

Question 11

stage 3 findings

Answer 11

inter-group cooperation
- having a super ordinate goal was successful in reducing prejudice and forming positive relationships between the groups