robbers cave study: Sherif 1961 Flashcards
What was the aim of the robbers cave study?
To investigate how intergroup conflict arises and how it can be reduced through the use of superordinate goals that require
What theory does the robbers cave study support?
Realistic conflict theory , which suggests intergroup conflict arises when groups compete for limited resources
Who were the participants in the robbers cave study?
22 boys aged 11-12 from middle-class , Protestant backgrounds in the USA ,
selected for being psychologically stable
Describe the setting of the robbers cave study
The study was conducted in a summer camp at robbers cave state park in Oklahoma USA to create a naturalistic environment
What were the three stages of the robbers cave study?
- group formation
- intergroup conflict
- conflict resolution
What happened during the group formation stage?
The boys were divided into two groups (the rattlers and the eagles) and engaged in bonding activities within their group eg. Canoeing and building campfires
What happened during the intergroup conflict stage?
The groups were introduced to each other and took part in competitive activities eg. tug of war, baseball
leading to hostility, name-calling and fights
How was intergroup conflict resolved in robbers cave study?
superordinate goals were introduced, such as fixing water supply and pushing a food truck which required cooperation between the groups
What were the key findings of the robbers cave study?
- intergroup competition led to hostility and aggression
- cooperation on superordinate goals reduced conflict and created positive relationships between groups
What was the qualitative data collected in the robbers cave study?
Observations of behaviour and interviews
What was the quantitative data collected in robbers cave study?
Sociometric measures of group preferences
How does the robbers cave study demonstrate ecological validity?
The study took place in a realistic settling (summer camp) and the participants were unaware they were being studied, leading to natural behaviours
How does the robbers cave study relate to realistic conflict theory?
It demonstrates that competition for resources creates intergroup conflict and that superordinate goals can resolve it
How might demand characteristics have affected the robbers cave study?
even though the boys were unaware of the studies aims, the presences of the researchers could have influenced their
behaviour
What type of field experiment is the robbers cave study and why?
a field experiment as it was conducted in a natural setting, with some control over variables
