This video, and the video I’m posting below are equally good, watch one, take active notes, then watch the other as revision.

Method | Implications | Conclusion | Key terms

The Robber’s Cave Experiment: Unveiling the Dynamics of Intergroup Conflict

Conducted by Muzafer Sherif in 1954, the Robber’s Cave Experiment delved into intergroup conflict and cooperation among boys at a summer camp.

Method: Sherif divided the 22 school boys into two groups and for a period of time they were unaware of each other’s existence.

In-group formation: Over a period of 4-5 days, they formed tight-knit ingroups, leaders among the groups and a subculture.

Group Conflict: Then, through competitions and sports challenges, they were pitted against each other. The winning group was awarded prizes, but nothing for the “losers”.

Conflict Escalation: As the rivalry intensified, aggression escalated. The boys exhibited in-group bias, favoring their own group while disparaging the outgroup. Tensions soared, and conflicts became more frequent and intense.

Findings: Intergroup competition sparked hostility, leading to acts like burning each other’s flags, ransacking rooms and overturning beds. Over time, prejudices deepened as each group developed negative attitudes and behaviors towards the other.

Leadership Dynamics: Leaders emerged within each group, influencing their members’ perceptions and actions. They fueled in-group cohesion, reinforcing the divide between “us” and “them.”

Resolution Attempts—superordinate goals: Sherif intervened by introducing cooperative activities requiring both groups to collaborate. Such activity required the collaboration of both teams in order to assess necessities, ie. fixing their water supply. Shared goals fostered reconciliation, leading to a reduction in hostilities between the two groups.

Implications: The Robber’s Cave Experiment shed light on the intricacies of intergroup conflict. It underscored the role of competition in breeding prejudice and hostility but also highlighted the potential for cooperation in resolving conflicts.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the experiment showcased how intergroup conflicts can arise from competition over resources. It emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation and understanding to mitigate prejudices and build harmonious intergroup relations.

Key terms: in-group formation, hostilities developed, prejudice, role of competition, “winning”, aggression, superordinate goals, cooperation