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

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.

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.