Question

Muzafer Sherif's study of the Eagles and Rattlers indicated that ______________ is the most useful way to reduce prejudice. a. punishment b. mere contact with out-group members c. cooperative contact between groups d. competition between groups

Short answer

c. cooperative contact between groups

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Context

Muzafer Sherif's study is known as the Robbers Cave Experiment. It involved two groups of boys, the Eagles and the Rattlers, who were initially kept apart, then introduced to competition, and finally brought together for cooperative activities.

Identify Key Findings

The study discovered that mere contact between competing groups, such as the Eagles and Rattlers, was not sufficient to reduce prejudice. In fact, this sometimes increased hostility between the groups when no structured or meaningful interaction was provided.

Focus on Successful Strategy

Sherif found that cooperative contact, where groups worked together towards common goals, was effective in reducing prejudice. This involved activities that required interdependence, where success could only be achieved through joint efforts.

Rule Out Incorrect Options

The study showed that neither punishment nor competition effectively reduced prejudice. Punishment could lead to resentment, while competition often increased antipathy between groups. Mere contact without cooperation was also insufficient.

Choose the Most Useful Option

Given the findings, cooperative contact between groups is identified as the most effective method to reduce prejudice according to Sherif's study. This aligns with the concept of superordinate goals, where cooperative efforts help dissolve inter-group rivalry.

Key concepts

Muzafer Sherif

Muzafer Sherif was a pivotal figure in the field of social psychology, best known for his groundbreaking Robbers Cave Experiment. Conducted in the 1950s, the experiment set the foundation for understanding how group dynamics influence juvenile behavior. Sherif's work emphasized experimental research and practical applications.

Sherif aimed to study how group conflict and cooperation affect behavior. The study was notably conducted in a natural setting — a summer camp. Boys aged 11-12 were divided into two groups: the Eagles and the Rattlers. Initially, they were kept separate to foster group cohesion and identity. Later, they were introduced to competitive activities, which inevitably led to conflict and hostility.

The importance of Sherif's research cannot be overstated, especially in how it provided deep insights into the mechanics of group formation, conflict, and resolution. His exploration into social influence and group behavior created new pathways for research aimed at reducing societal conflicts.

prejudice reduction

Prejudice reduction is one of the core findings of the Robbers Cave Experiment. The study illustrated that prejudice between groups is not merely a result of individual biases but often stems from the social context. Prejudice can significantly decrease with the right strategies. Sherif discovered that simply putting opposing groups together without a structured purpose was insufficient.

The experiment demonstrated that hostility escalated when groups are placed in competition without intervention mechanisms. Sherif's findings support the idea that prejudice is more likely to diminish when groups engage in cooperative tasks, requiring trust and mutual dependency on shared goals.

Sherif's approach to reducing prejudice has been utilized in various settings, such as schools, workplaces, and communities. These insights highlight the importance of building environments where collaborative interactions are the norm, fostering understanding and empathy among diverse groups.

cooperative contact

Cooperative contact emerged as the most effective method for reducing conflict, as evidenced by Sherif's experiment. The principle hinges on the idea that individuals from different groups can work together to achieve common goals.

During the Robbers Cave Experiment, Sherif introduced activities that required joint effort from both the Eagles and the Rattlers. Simple interactions were insufficient; the activities needed to be structured as shared challenges that neither group could complete alone. This setup necessitated communication and reliance on one another, often resulting in reduced tensions and improved relations.

The concept of superordinate goals, which drove the boys to work collaboratively, is at the heart of cooperative contact. These goals are larger-than-individual tasks that mandate cooperation, such as moving a stalled truck or solving a shared problem. By shifting focus from competition to cooperation, Sherif provided a model that has since informed countless initiatives aimed at conflict resolution.

social psychology

Social psychology is the scientific study of how people influence and are influenced by others. It seeks to understand group dynamics, attitudes, and behaviors in social settings. Sherif's contribution to social psychology through the Robbers Cave Experiment is a telling example of how group relations and prejudice can be scientifically studied.

This field examines concepts like social perception, social interaction, group behavior, and inter-group conflict. Sherif's work specifically dove into the realm of group conflict and cooperation, proving that structured social interaction can alter group relations. His study used real-world scenarios to lend credibility and depth to theoretical constructs, validating the significance of scientific inquiry in social settings.

Social psychology provides a framework to explore how societal forces shape individual and group identities. Through this lens, Sherif's research on cooperative contact informs a broader understanding of conflict resolution and community harmony. This holistic approach highlights the role of psychology in creating strategies for better interpersonal and intergroup relations.