Robbers cave, Sherif 1954

• Sherif, Robbers cave 1954 aim

  what factors make 2 groups develop hostile relationship and how hostility can be reduced
• Sherif, robbers cave 1954 - method

  Each group had tasks to compete and quickly became aware of other group, requesting a baseball game. Integration phrase, tried to bring the groups together with fun activities. Failed, so blocked a water pipe forcing boys to work together
• Sherif , robbers cave 1954 - results

  required encouragement. Friction phrase (night raids , burning flags) integration phrase (shared films turned into food fights). Tasks reduced hostility, in the end they shared $5
• Sherif, robbers cave 1954 - conclusion

  groups formed quickly with hierarchy. In group solidarity increased, out group hostility increased. When competition is present it can be reduced.
• Robbers cave - generalisability

  22 boys, meaning you can't generalise to females and is a small sample. Children only from America
• Robbers cave - reliability 


  observed boys for 12 hours, used numbered scoring for boys friendship patterns. Multiple observers leads to inter rater reliability
• Robbers cave - application


  discrimination and violence can be reduced if jobs, housing, education, were shared more friendly
• Robbers cave - validity

  ecological validity, real boys and a real summer camp. Unrealistic features - the camp counsellors not intervening. Lacked control group
• Robbers cave - ethics

  No valid consent from boys or parents, failed to respect their autonomy and dignity. Debatable whether the boys were harmed. 2 left in the first week
• what were the 2 groups called?

  rattlers and eagles