Discuss Muzafer Sherif's "Robber's Cave" research. What were the different phases of the research, what was found at each stage, and what were the overall conclusions regarding (a) the origins of prejudice and (b) prejudice reduction?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

a . Possible Response Points:
i. This research was conducted with two groups of 11-year boys who were part of a summer camp at Robber's Cave (the groups called themselves "Eagles" and the "Rattlers").
ii. There were three phases to the research. In phase one the two groups were unaware of each others' presence. During this phase each group formed a unique bond and identity. In phase two they were introduced to one another within the context of competitive group activities. During this phase they engaged in fierce and ruthless competition, and acts of intergroup aggression. In phase three the researchers attempted to reduce intergroup antagonism. This was ultimately achieved by creating situations in which the groups were forced to work cooperatively in the pursuit of superordinate goals. In this phase previous antagonisms were quelled, goodwill was fostered, and cross-group friendships began to form.
iii. The overall conclusions of this research were that prejudice can arise based upon intergroup perceptions of zero-sum competition (i.e., when groups feel that they are in direct competition with one another for concrete, desired resources), and that prejudice can be reduced when situations are reorganized or reconstrued such that groups need to work cooperatively toward a common set of goals.