Sherif et Al Flashcards
What was the procedure of robbers cave
22 12 yeR old American Middle class Protestant boys
Three stages
1) IN GROUP FORMATION 5 days each group given tasks to carry out in order to make them bond, given group names EAGLES AND RATTLER to strengthen group identity
2) IN GROUP RELATIONS 4 days friction was encouraged between groups by competition for attractive prizes such as pen knives
3) INTERGROUP RELATIONS reduce tension both groups were brought together and watched films
Took part in activities problem solving such as unblocking a water supply and getting a car out of the mud, pooled money to watch a film
What were the results of stage 1
Bonded within their groups and expressed dislike for the other group
What were the results of stage two
Immediate hostility, eagles refused to eat with rattlers
Shouted insults and got close to physical violence. Raided huts and burned flags when prizes were won they were stolen
What were the results of stage 3
Early activities didn’t reduce hostility but joint problem solving did. Rattlers bought drinks for both groups
What was stage 1 called
IN GROUP FORMATION
What was stage two called
IN GROUP RELATIONS
What was stage three called
INTERGROUP RELATIONS
What was the conclusion of robbers cave
Hostility between groups as soon as they were aware of each other
COMPETITION IS A FACTOR IN LEADING TO DISCRIMINATION some takes place with competition when groups work together prejudice and discrimination is reduced
What were the strengths of robbers cave
Had control over variables so could be replicated
Can be applied to real life as it can help to reduce prejudice through super ordinate goals
High ecological validity as based on real life
Participants were matched so that individual difference would not affect the data
Several data collectiom methods used
What were the weaknesses of robbers cave
Ethnocentric cannot be fully generalised
Vulnerable to extraneous variable as the situation is not carefully controlled
Unaware they were taking part so no informed consent or right to withdraw
What is the aim of robbers cave
Investigate relations between groups. See if strangers will form a close group when given a common goal. Two such groups brought into contact and competition will become hostile towards each other
