Realistic Conflict Theory Experiment by Muzafer Sherif and Carolyn Sherif

Background

• Conducted between 1949 and 1954 by social psychologists Muzafer Sherif and Carolyn Wood Sherif.
• Focus on realistic conflict theory: inner group conflict, stereotypes, and prejudices.
• Notable experiment in 1954 at Robbers Cave State Park, Oklahoma.
• Context: Post-World War II implications.

Hypothesis

• Conflict arises between groups when competing for limited resources.

Experiment Details

• Subjects: 22 children, ages 11-12, all middle-class, white, and Protestant.
• Structure: Three-stage experiment.

Stage 1: Bonding Stage

• Groups unaware of each other initially.
• Activities to encourage bonding and norm creation: swimming, hiking.
• Formation of group identities: "Eagles" and "Rattlers" with distinct cultures and norms.

Stage 2: Competition Stage

• Duration: 4-6 days, designed to create friction.
• Competitions: baseball, tug-of-war, touch football.
• Prizes: Trophy, medals, pocket knives; no consolation for losers.
• Rattlers developed toughness and aggression; exhibited confidence and territorial behavior (e.g., flags).
• Verbal aggression escalated to physical confrontations (e.g., flag burning, raids, fistfights).
• Researchers intervened when necessary.

Stage 3: Reducing Friction

• Characterization: Groups negatively viewed each other, positive in-group bias.
• Non-competitive activities with superordinate goals required.
• Joint activities: Watching a film (sharing expenses), fixing the water tank, and working together to free a stuck truck.
• Outcome: Former enemies became allies with common goals.

Conclusion

• Demonstrated realistic conflict theory successfully.
• Illustrates how conflict over resources leads to prejudice and discrimination.
• Coexistence alone does not eliminate prejudice; collaboration towards common goals can.

Implications

• Important insights into managing group conflicts and fostering cooperation.