Sherif et al - Robber's Cave Study Flashcards
What were the aims of Sherif et al - Robber’s Cave?
- To test the idea that strangers will form cohesive groups when introduced to each other and set a shared goal.
- To look at the idea that if you create an
in-group/out-group situation and the create conflict between them, prejudice will arise. - To see if prejudice would be reduced if the two groups were set superordinate goals that required their cooperation.
Describe the sample of Sherif et al - Robber’s cave
22 White, protestant boys from Oklahoma, America
11 - 12 years old
What were the boys screened for before the Sherif et al study?
To make sure there were no problems at home or other factors that might account for individual differences in behaviour and attitude.
Did any of the boys in Sherif et al study know each other?
No
Were the boys in sherif et al matched? If so what on?
Yes
IQ and sporting ability
What happen in the 1st stage of Robber’s cave?
The two groups were kept separate for a week to allow group identities to form.
Each team came up with a name (Eagles and Rattlers)
At the end of the week, the groups became aware of the other.
What were the names of the groups in Robber’s cave?
The Eagles
The Rattlers
What happened during stage 2 of Robber’s cave?
The groups were introduced.
Tournaments were set up such as basketball, tug of war and a swimming gala.
This was done to create frustration towards the other group.
What data was collected during stage 2 of Robber’s cave?
Recordings of adjectives used to describe the other team and those used to describe people in their own team.
What happened during stage 3 of Robber’s Cave?
The researchers wanted to see if they could reduce hostility between the groups.
At first, they were brought into contact through watching a film together.
Superordinate goals were introduced (eg fixing the water supply)
What are superordinate goals?
Goals that would require both groups to cooperate in order to complete. They provide benefits to both groups.
What were the results of stage 1 of Robber’s cave?
The boys bonded quickly and settled into their group identities. They expressed dislike of the other group when made aware of them.
Eagles - more competitive
rattlers - more derogatory
What were the results of stage 2 of Robber’s cave?
Introduction to the other group lead to hostility. Both groups developed negative attitudes towards each other.
Called each other names (sneaks, stinkers, smart alecs) and raided the other group’s hut.
What were the results of stage 3 of Robber’s cave?
Social contact (watching the film together) did not reduce hostility - lead to further name-calling
Superordinate goals did reduce hostility - the more they worked together the less abusive they became
What were the conclusions of Robber’s cave - Sherif et al?
Competition is a factor that leads to discrimination between groups, but some discrimination happens without competition.
When groups work together on superordinate goals, prejudice and discrimination can be reduced.
