Robbers Cave Experiment Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What was the aim of the Robbers Cave Experiment?

To test if prejudice is caused by competition between in-groups and out-groups and to see if intergroup conflict could be reduced by the introduction of superordinate goals.

Describe the procedure of the Robbers Cave Experiment.

In the first week, groups did not know each other, but upon discovery, they began to hate one another. Competition led to name-calling like 'stinkers' and earning an opportunity sample.

Who were the participants in the Robbers Cave Experiment?

22 11-year-old boys from similar backgrounds in Oklahoma, all middle-class Protestant families.

What were the three stages of the Robbers Cave Experiment?

<ol> <li>In-groups were created through cooperation tasks. 2) The groups competed against each other. 3) Superordinate goals were introduced to reduce hostility.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What happened in stage one of the experiment?

The two groups were kept separate and engaged in tasks encouraging in-group formation, while sociometric data was collected. Signup and view all the answers

What is sociometric data?

Quantitative data gathered about social and personal relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the events of stage two.

The boys became aware of each other, competition was introduced, and boys were frustrated by orchestrated situations attributed to the other group. Signup and view all the answers

What occurred in stage three?

The final days were focused on resolving conflict through activities involving superordinate goals. Signup and view all the answers

What are superordinate goals?

Common goals that require all group members to work together to resolve. Signup and view all the answers

Name one problem situation the groups worked on together.

Fixing the water tank that provided water for both groups. Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of stage one?

Group rules and norms were established, with names chosen as the Eagles and the Rattlers. Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of stage two?

Boys displayed hostility towards the other group, leading to name-calling and territorial behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of stage three?

While some inter-group activities happened, conflicts persisted with name-calling and food throwing. Signup and view all the answers

What were the overall results of the experiment?

There was a significant increase in friendships across groups compared to stage two. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Robbers Cave Experiment Overview

Aim: Investigated if competition between in-groups and out-groups leads to prejudice and if intergroup conflict can be alleviated via superordinate goals.

Experiment Procedure

Initial week: Groups unaware of each other, fostering mutual ignorance that quickly turned to hostility upon discovery.
Competitions featured aggressive name-calling such as "stinkers" and "sneaks."
Utilized an opportunity sample of boys from similar backgrounds.

Participants

Sample consisted of 22 eleven-year-old boys, primarily from middle-class Protestant families in Oklahoma.
Participants were previously unknown to each other, ensuring no pre-existing biases.
Parents compensated $25 to refrain from visiting during the two-week camp.
Groups were formed based on matched educational and athletic abilities.

Stages of the Experiment

Stage One: Formation of in-groups through cooperative tasks; sociometric data was gathered on social dynamics.
Stage Two: Introduced awareness of the other group and competitive activities, highlighting data on hostility and stereotypes.
Stage Three: Focused on conflict resolution through cooperative tasks requiring collaboration.

Stage One Details

Duration: 5-6 days of separation and in-group bonding.
Gathering of sociometric data based on peer ratings of popularity and initiative.

Sociometric Data

Quantitative metrics assessing personal and social relationships among participants.

Stage Two Details

Duration: 4-5 days where competition aggravated relationships.
Group effort necessary to earn points led to frustration, blaming the opposing group for losses.
Documented rise in stereotypes and negative attitudes towards the out-group.

Stage Three Details

Last 6-7 days concentrated on resolving intergroup conflict through superordinate goals, requiring teamwork.

Superordinate Goals

Defined as common objectives necessitating collaborative efforts from all group members to achieve.

Problem Situations

Collaborative tasks included fixing a shared water tank, rescuing a stuck camp bus, and a joint camp-over for shared resources.

Results of Stage One

Emerged group identities established rules and norms leading to distinct group names: Eagles and Rattlers.

Results of Stage Two

Elevated hostility and aggressive behaviors, with a clear division of loyalty; 93% chose friends from their in-group only.
Incidents of territoriality, including the burning of opposing flags.

Results of Stage Three

Initial positive impact from cooperative activities waned as conflicts resurfaced, indicated by continued name-calling and food-throwing at meals.

Overall Results

After interventions, there was a notable increase in out-group friendships compared to the hostility observed during stage two.

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Description

This quiz includes flashcards summarizing the key aspects of the Robbers Cave Experiment conducted by Sherif in 1954. It covers the study's aim to understand the roots of prejudice and the methods employed to test intergroup conflict and cooperation. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of social psychology.