The robbers' den experiment (sherif)

The "Robbers Cave" experiment, conducted by Muzafer Sherif and colleagues in the 1950s, is a classic and seminal field study in social psychology that investigated how intergroup conflicts form and how they can be reduced.

It convincingly demonstrated the power of competition for limited resources and superordinate goals in intergroup dynamics.

Summer Camp Study Design

Sherif selected a group of well-adjusted, roughly 11-12 year-old boys from similar backgrounds to participate in a summer camp. The children had no prior acquaintances.

Upon arriving at the camp, they were randomly divided into two groups, the "Eagles" and the "Rattlers," without initially knowing of the other group's existence.

During the first phase, each group developed a strong internal identity and cohesion through cooperative activities (such as building a shelter or preparing meals).

Creating Intergroup Conflict

In the second phase, competition was introduced between the two groups through a series of games and tournaments (such as baseball and tug-of-war) where only one group could win valuable prizes (such as pocket knives or trophies) while the other got nothing.

This competition for scarce resources quickly generated hostility, prejudice, and aggressive behavior between the groups.

The children began calling each other names, raiding the other group's camp, and even burning the rival group's flag.

Strong ingroup favoritism (toward one's own group) and devaluation of the outgroup (the other group) developed.

Failed Attempts at Conflict Reduction

Initially, the researchers attempted to reduce conflict through noncompetitive contact activities, such as watching movies together or sharing meals.

However, these strategies proved ineffective and, in some cases, even exacerbated hostility, as meals became opportunities for food throwing.

Finally, in the third phase, a series of "superordinate goals" were introduced—common objectives that were impor