Sherif et al

• What was the main aim of Sherif's study?


  To examine whether intergroup conflict could be reduced by working on a superordinate goal and to observe the development of group organization, attitudes, and norms.
• What theory did Sherif's study explore?


  Realistic conflict theory, which posits that intergroup relations depend on whether groups are positively or negatively interdependent.
• What are the effects of positive and negative interdependence between groups?


  Positive interdependence leads to good intergroup relations, while negative interdependence creates conflict and ethnocentric attitudes.
• How many participants were involved in Sherif's study, and what were their characteristics?


  22 boys, aged 11-12, healthy, socially well-adjusted, above-average intelligence, and from stable, White, Protestant, middle-class homes.
• How were the participants divided in the study?


  They were randomly allocated into two groups and unaware they were part of an experiment.
• What happened in the first stage of Sherif's study?

  The groups were kept separate to foster group bonds, norms, and identities, which researchers observed.
• What occurred during the second stage of the study?


  Groups were introduced and placed in competitive situations, leading to intergroup conflict, hostility, and increased ingroup solidarity.
• What was the result of the two-day cooling-off period?


  Boys characterized their ingroup favorably and the outgroup unfavorably, confirming biases arising from intergroup conflict.
• How was intergroup tension reduced in the third stage?


  A common problem forced groups to cooperate, reducing hostility and negative attitudes.
• What does Sherif's study demonstrate about intergroup conflict?


  Conflict and negative attitudes emerge from competition for resources and can be mitigated by working on shared goals.
• What are some strengths of Sherif's study?


  Deception provided strong ecological validity. Conducted in a natural setting. Well-defined stages allowed for accurate monitoring.
• What are the limitations of Sherif's study?

  Reductionist focuses on resource competition only. Relied on observation, making it hard to measure. Limited control over extraneous variables. Sampling bias due to unrepresentative participants. Dependent variable measured through self-reports, prone to demand characteristics. Ethical concerns due to deception. Simplistic explanation for the origins of conflict.