Sherif's Robbers Cave

Aim of Sherif's Robbers Cave study

To investigate how competition for goals leads to intergroup conflict and how superordinate goals can reduce it.

Sample description in Sherif's study

22 boys, all 11 years old, from white, Protestant families in Oklahoma, USA, emotionally well-adjusted and matched on variables like IQ.

Friction stage procedure

In Stage 2, competitive tournaments were introduced, leading to conflict through name-calling, cabin raids, and fights.

Superordinate goal

A goal that requires cooperation from both groups to achieve, used in Stage 3 to reduce hostility.

Generalisability weakness

The sample was androcentric (all boys) and ethnocentric (all white), limiting applicability to girls or collectivist cultures.

Reliability of Sherif's study weakness

Considered low due to it being a field experiment with uncontrolled factors difficult to replicate.

Validity of Sherif's study

Demonstrated high validity through method triangulation with 300 hours of covert observation and questionnaires.

Real-world application of Sherif's findings

The concept of superordinate goals is applied in contexts like the Jigsaw Classroom to reduce prejudice.

Statistic showing extreme prejudice in Stage 2

Only 6.4% of Rattlers and 7.5% of Eagles had friends in the out-group.

Statistic showing success of superordinate goals

After cooperation, 36.4% of the Rattlers' friends were from the Eagles, indicating increased intergroup friendships.