Transcript Robbers Cave

Conformity
Robbers Cave Experiment
An example of
Robbers Cave
Experiment
Individuals having no established
relationships brought together to
interact in group activities with
common goals will produce a group
structure with hierarchical statuses
and roles within it.
If two in-groups are formed and
brought into competition and group
frustration, attitudes and
appropriate hostile actions in
relation to the out-group and its
members will arise and will be
shared i by group members.
Robbers Cave
Experiment
Boys divided into two groups,
unaware of one another. They
were placed in a cabin and
found their own swimming
hole and hideouts and played
group games. Near the end of
the week, the boys were made
aware of each other’s presence
via garbage and voices (but not
actual sightings).
Robbers Cave
Experiment
Competition was amplified
through a series of
contests. The groups began
eating together in a common
mess hall where a large trophy
case was actively
displayed. Sportsmanship
declined and both groups
burned one another’s flags,
after which fighting and cabin
raids occurred.
Robbers Cave
Experiment
Non-competitive activities were
introduced, but failed to stop the
conflict. Only an urgent situation
requiring co-operation permitted
the two groups to work together
and reconcile. Specifically, the
camp’s water supply was cut,
requiring the boys to
collaborate. By the end of the
experiment, the boys even
requested to ride home on the
same bus.
Normative Social
Influence
The need to be liked, accepted by others.
Where we conform to what we believe to be the
social norms of the group in order to be accepted
by them.
We are social beings and positive interactions are
crucial