RCT was present in a classical social psychology experiment, commonly known as ‘Robbers Cave’ conducted by:
MUZAFER SHERIFF AND COLLEAGUES (1954) * Studied group behaviour * -researcher carefully observed the behaviours of the children * Reason – to learn how group conflict developed and how it might be resolved among the children
This was identified through 3 stages * group formation * intergroup conflict: group polarization exacerbated the conflict * conflict reduction: to reduce conflict, groups were introduced to subordinate goals – goals that both groups desire but were unattainable by one group by its own efforts (Sherif, 1966)
The study consisted of: * Boys camp in Robbers Cave, Oklahoma * Divided 22, 11 year old boys, middle class, white, psychologically well adjusted, stable homes
2 separate groups prior to arrival -SELF-CATEGORISATION occurs as:
* If people were merely catergorized into different groups, then the beginnings of in-group loyalty and out-group discrimination (Tajfel, 1982, cited in BBB, 2009)
* each group developed its own social norms and group structure * became quite cohesive, with strong positive SOCIAL …show more content…
* They had also developed their own rituals and became socially cohesive.
Intergroup conflict was present when groups told about one another
When placed together * substantial increase in: * name calling * prejudice * and stereotypes of the out group
The heightened intergroup contact changed social structure within groups * developed even greater cohesion and social identity * This was predicted by RCT, there was a marked deterioration in INTER-GROUP relations.
Results in the tendency for each of the competing groups to perceive the other extremely and unrealistically, negatively (HEWSTONE, 1990, cited in Standgor, 2004: 315) * occurred in robbers cave
however sheriff, changed the social context from intra-to inter-group, due to the groups being physically put closer to each other. (in particular, competitions) (CARR)
3RD STAGE: boys had to work together * presented with subordinate goals * working together produced: * negative perceptions of group members gradually improved * some reduction of hostility * positive intergroup