Robbers Cave Experiment

• The study aimed to investigate how conflict arises between groups and how cooperation can reduce hostility

Procedure

• Participants: 22 boys (ages 11–12), all from similar middle-class backgrounds, randomly divided into two groups
• Stage 1 (Group Formation): Each group spent time bonding separately, unaware of the other group’s existence
• Stage 2 (Competition Phase): The groups were introduced and competed in activities like tug-of-war and baseball, with rewards given to the winners, creating rivalry and hostility
• Stage 3 (Cooperation Phase): Researchers created problems (e.g., a blocked water supply) that required both groups to work together to succeed

Results

• During the competition phase, the groups became aggressive, calling each other names, raiding each other’s cabins, and showing strong hostility
• In the cooperation phase, working toward common goals reduced the hostility, and friendships formed between the groups

Conclusions

• Intergroup conflict arises when groups compete for limited resources
• Cooperation on superordinate goals (shared goals that require teamwork) is effective in reducing conflict and improving group relations

Evaluation

• Strengths:
  • High ecological validity since it was conducted in a natural setting
  • Practical application for understanding and resolving real-world conflicts
• Weaknesses:
  • Lacks generalizability as participants were all boys from similar backgrounds
  • Ethical concerns due to deception and the psychological stress caused to participants
  • Potential researcher bias as Sherif played an active role in manipulating the groups