The Robbers Cave experiment, conducted in 1954 by Muzaffer Sherif and Carolyn Wood Sherif, is a significant social psychology study that examined the mechanisms of intergroup conflict and cooperation. It was carried out at Robbers Cave State Park in Oklahoma with 22 boys, aged 11-12, from similar socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The experiment demonstrated how two different groups could quickly form a conflict-ridden environment and how common goals could reduce this conflict.
Robbers Cave Experiment (Türkiye Zeka Vakfı)
Experimental Procedure
The experiment consisted of three main stages:
Stage 1: Group Formation
The children, who did not know each other beforehand, were divided into two separate groups. Unaware of the other group's existence, both groups spent time at their own campsites with activities like swimming, hiking, and sports. During this stage, a strong internal bond developed within the groups, and they gave themselves names like "The Eagles" and "The Rattlers."
Stage 2: Competition and Conflict
In this stage, the two groups were brought into contact with each other. The researchers organized competitive games such as baseball, tug-of-war, and soccer. The winning group received prizes, while the losing group received none. This situation quickly led to the development of hostility and competition between the groups. The groups engaged in verbal abuse towards each other and even damaged each other's physical property (for example, one group burned the other's flag).
Stage 3: Cooperation and Conflict Reduction
Muzaffer Sherif attempted to bring the groups together again to reduce the conflict. In initial attempts, it was observed that actions like simply bringing them together or watching a movie together did not reduce the hostility. Consequently, scenarios were created that required the groups to cooperate for a common goal. For instance, common problems were created, such as the water supply being cut off or the truck carrying food to the camp getting stuck in the mud. These situations ensured that the groups reached a common solution by cooperating with each other. This process showed a significant reduction in hostility between the groups and even led to the formation of intergroup friendships.
Results and Impact
The Robbers Cave experiment supported the theory known in social psychology as "Realistic Conflict Theory." According to this theory, intergroup conflicts arise from competition for limited resources, and this competition leads to the development of negative attitudes and prejudices between groups. The experiment also demonstrated the importance of common goals and cooperation in reducing intergroup conflict. This situation formed the basis of the concept called "superordinate goals."
Robbers Cave Experiment (Türkiye Zeka Vakfı)
Criticisms
The Robbers Cave experiment has faced some ethical criticisms. The fact that the children participating in the experiment were unaware they were part of a study and that the researchers deliberately created conflict among the children are primary among these criticisms. Additionally, there are views that the limited number of participants (only 11-12-year-old boys) and the fact that the experiment was conducted in a specific cultural context (the United States) limit the generalizability of the results.
