Classic Study: Robbers Cave

Sherif et al. (1954) Robbers Cave

Aims

• To investigate intergroup relations over a period of time when experimentally induced situations occured
• To investigate group formation, effect of competition and conditions under which conflict can be resolved

Procedure

• 22 boys aged 11, all from middle class Protestant backgrounds but not aquainted
• Parents were paid $25 so they wouldn't visit the boys in the 2 weeks
• The boys were split into 2 evenly matched groups using information obtained from parents and teachers
• The information was about both their educational and their athletic abilities
• Stage 1- the 2 groups were kept…