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Understanding Realistic Conflict Theory in Social Psychology: Sherif Et Al. 1954 Study Evaluation

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Demetra

26/04/2023

Psychology

Sherif et al.

Understanding Realistic Conflict Theory in Social Psychology: Sherif Et Al. 1954 Study Evaluation

Realistic Conflict Theory study by Sherif et al. (1954) demonstrates how competition between groups can create hostility and how cooperation can reduce intergroup conflict. The research, conducted at Robbers Cave State Park, involved 22 eleven-year-old boys divided into two groups, examining group dynamics through various competitive and cooperative tasks.

• The study established the foundation for understanding intergroup conflicts and their resolution
• Results showed that competition led to increased hostility while shared goals promoted cooperation
• The experiment consisted of three phases: ingroup formation, friction, and integration
• Despite ethical concerns, the study remains influential in social psychology and conflict resolution
• The research supports the core principles of Realistic Conflict Theory (Sherif, 1966)

...

26/04/2023

332


<h2 id="background">Background</h2>
<p>The study conducted by Muzafer Sherif is a classic example of the Realistic Conflict Theory in socia

View

Page 2: Experimental Procedure and Results

The study conducted at Robbers Cave State Park implemented a carefully structured procedure to examine factors creating hostile relationships in groups.

Quote: "Mere contact" alone proved insufficient to reduce intergroup hostility.

Key procedural elements:

  • Groups arrived separately and were initially unaware of each other
  • Competitive activities included sports tournaments and experimental tests
  • Integration phase involved forced cooperation through shared challenges

Vocabulary: "Superordinate goals" refers to objectives that require cooperation between groups to achieve.

Results demonstrated:

  • Immediate emergence of competitive behavior upon group awareness
  • Escalating hostile actions during friction phase
  • Gradual reduction in hostility through shared tasks
  • Ultimate cooperation achieved through necessity

<h2 id="background">Background</h2>
<p>The study conducted by Muzafer Sherif is a classic example of the Realistic Conflict Theory in socia

View

Page 3: Study Evaluation

The evaluation of the Sherif et al robbers cave experiment reveals both strengths and limitations in methodology and applicability.

Highlight: While the sample size was relatively small at 22 participants, careful screening helped ensure result validity.

Key evaluation points:

  • Limited generalizability due to sample size
  • Reliability challenges due to observation limitations
  • Natural setting provided ecological validity but reduced control
  • Systematic scoring system enhanced measurement reliability

Example: The study's natural setting at a summer camp provided authentic conditions for observing hostile relationships in social work practice, though this came at the cost of experimental control.


<h2 id="background">Background</h2>
<p>The study conducted by Muzafer Sherif is a classic example of the Realistic Conflict Theory in socia

View

Evaluation of Research Methods

The study's methodology presents both strengths and limitations in terms of scientific validity and reliability.

Reliability considerations:

  • Multiple observers enhanced inter-rater reliability
  • Recorded conversations provided verifiable data
  • Numbered scoring system for friendship patterns offered quantitative measures

Highlight: The natural setting, while reducing internal validity, provided rich ecological validity.

Generalizability limitations:

  • Small sample size of 22 participants
  • Homogeneous demographic (white, middle-class boys)
  • Age and gender-specific results

Example: The study's findings might not apply to different cultural contexts or age groups, limiting its broader application.

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Understanding Realistic Conflict Theory in Social Psychology: Sherif Et Al. 1954 Study Evaluation

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Demetra

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Realistic Conflict Theory study by Sherif et al. (1954) demonstrates how competition between groups can create hostility and how cooperation can reduce intergroup conflict. The research, conducted at Robbers Cave State Park, involved 22 eleven-year-old boys divided into two groups, examining group dynamics through various competitive and cooperative tasks.

• The study established the foundation for understanding intergroup conflicts and their resolution
• Results showed that competition led to increased hostility while shared goals promoted cooperation
• The experiment consisted of three phases: ingroup formation, friction, and integration
• Despite ethical concerns, the study remains influential in social psychology and conflict resolution
• The research supports the core principles of Realistic Conflict Theory (Sherif, 1966)

...

26/04/2023

332

 

12/13

 

Psychology

9


<h2 id="background">Background</h2>
<p>The study conducted by Muzafer Sherif is a classic example of the Realistic Conflict Theory in socia

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Page 2: Experimental Procedure and Results

The study conducted at Robbers Cave State Park implemented a carefully structured procedure to examine factors creating hostile relationships in groups.

Quote: "Mere contact" alone proved insufficient to reduce intergroup hostility.

Key procedural elements:

  • Groups arrived separately and were initially unaware of each other
  • Competitive activities included sports tournaments and experimental tests
  • Integration phase involved forced cooperation through shared challenges

Vocabulary: "Superordinate goals" refers to objectives that require cooperation between groups to achieve.

Results demonstrated:

  • Immediate emergence of competitive behavior upon group awareness
  • Escalating hostile actions during friction phase
  • Gradual reduction in hostility through shared tasks
  • Ultimate cooperation achieved through necessity

<h2 id="background">Background</h2>
<p>The study conducted by Muzafer Sherif is a classic example of the Realistic Conflict Theory in socia

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

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Page 3: Study Evaluation

The evaluation of the Sherif et al robbers cave experiment reveals both strengths and limitations in methodology and applicability.

Highlight: While the sample size was relatively small at 22 participants, careful screening helped ensure result validity.

Key evaluation points:

  • Limited generalizability due to sample size
  • Reliability challenges due to observation limitations
  • Natural setting provided ecological validity but reduced control
  • Systematic scoring system enhanced measurement reliability

Example: The study's natural setting at a summer camp provided authentic conditions for observing hostile relationships in social work practice, though this came at the cost of experimental control.


<h2 id="background">Background</h2>
<p>The study conducted by Muzafer Sherif is a classic example of the Realistic Conflict Theory in socia

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Evaluation of Research Methods

The study's methodology presents both strengths and limitations in terms of scientific validity and reliability.

Reliability considerations:

  • Multiple observers enhanced inter-rater reliability
  • Recorded conversations provided verifiable data
  • Numbered scoring system for friendship patterns offered quantitative measures

Highlight: The natural setting, while reducing internal validity, provided rich ecological validity.

Generalizability limitations:

  • Small sample size of 22 participants
  • Homogeneous demographic (white, middle-class boys)
  • Age and gender-specific results

Example: The study's findings might not apply to different cultural contexts or age groups, limiting its broader application.


<h2 id="background">Background</h2>
<p>The study conducted by Muzafer Sherif is a classic example of the Realistic Conflict Theory in socia

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

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Page 1: Study Background and Methodology

The groundbreaking Sherif study psychology established the foundations for understanding intergroup conflict and cooperation.

Definition: Realistic conflict theory definition states that competition over limited resources leads to intergroup conflict and prejudice.

Highlight: The study aimed to examine factors creating hostile relationships between groups and potential resolution methods.

Key methodology aspects:

  • 24 eleven-year-old boys initially participated (reduced to 22)
  • Participants were carefully screened and matched based on IQ and athletic ability
  • Two groups formed: "Rattlers" and "Eagles"
  • Behavior measured through observation and questionnaires

Example: The study design included three distinct phases: ingroup formation, friction phase, and integration phase, allowing researchers to observe how group dynamics evolved over time.

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Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

17 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.