Questions and Answers
What does Realistic Conflict Theory suggest about in-group members' attitudes towards the out-group?
What was the main finding of the Sherif Study?
Boys were divided into two groups and placed into conflict by introducing objective conflict of interest.
Which of the following is NOT a method to reduce conflict according to Realistic Conflict Theory?
What are superordinate groups?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the Contact Hypothesis according to Allport?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the Decategorization Model emphasize?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the goal of the Recategorization Model?
Signup and view all the answers
Decreasing bias involves enhancing evaluations of former out-group members.
Signup and view all the answers
What are the three phases of Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT)?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Realistic Conflict Theory
- Realistic Conflict Theory posits that the attitudes and behaviors of in-group members towards out-groups reflect their objective interests.
- Absence of conflict leads to harmony, while present conflict results in hostility and antagonism.
Sherif Study
- Conducted at Robbers Cave with boys organized into two groups to foster cooperation.
- Conflict was introduced by creating an objective conflict of interest between the two groups.
Conflict Reduction Strategies
- Appeals such as sermons by Sherif aimed at promoting understanding.
- Establishment of superordinate groups encourages collaboration towards common goals.
- Contact Hypothesis proposes that intergroup interactions can reduce conflict through equal status and shared objectives.
- Conflict reduction models define various approaches to decrease antagonism.
Superordinate Groups
- Hostility arises from incompatible goals, but aligning group objectives can reduce prejudice.
- Example from Sherif's experiment, where boys collaborated to fix a broken water main, illustrating how shared goals can foster unity or, if unsuccessful, lead to blaming the out-group.
Contact Hypothesis
- Formulated by Allport with the idea that contact between conflicting groups can reduce tensions if certain conditions are met, including:
- Equal status among groups
- Common goals to work towards
- Cooperative interactions
- Support from authorities and legal structures
- Development of friendships and personal connections
- Recognition of the importance of resolving conflict, as supported by Pettigrew (1988).
Decategorization Model
- Emphasizes the need to lessen the inclination to categorize individuals into in-groups and out-groups.
- Advocates for treating individuals as unique, focusing on personal characteristics to reduce prejudice, as illustrated by Miller (1985).
Recategorization Model
- Suggests merging separate groups into a larger inclusive group to mitigate bias.
- Research by Gardner indicates that larger and more inclusive groups exhibit less bias compared to smaller, segregated groups.
Decreasing Bias
- Focuses on enhancing evaluations of former out-group members while diminishing evaluations of former in-group members when individuals are perceived as separate and distinct.
Three Phases of Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT)
- The process includes:
- Group formation, where groups are established.
- Conflict, where competitive interactions arise.
- Intergroup cooperation, leading to harmonious relations through collaborative efforts.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on Realistic Conflict Theory with this set of flashcards. Each card provides key terms and definitions, including the Sherif Study, which illustrates group dynamics and conflict. Perfect for students of psychology or social behavior studies.
