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The findings from the Robber's Cave experiment revealed that efforts to bring together diametrically opposed groups are insufficient for reducing prejudice between different groups. Instead, the results of this experiment demonstrated that diverse groups must work together to attain a common objective in order to establish peace effectively. The Robbers Cave experiment was a well-known psychological study that investigated the causes of conflict between different groups. The study was conducted at a summer camp for boys, where the participants were divided into two groups and their interactions with one another were observed.

To reduce internal conflict, they considered both effective and ineffective methods. In the 1940s and 1950s, social psychologist Muzafer Sherif and his colleagues conducted several investigations, one of which was known as the Robbers Cave experiment. Two groups of twelve-year-old Oklahoman boys served as the experiment's primary characters. The boys were separated into two divisions at their school for the duration of the experiment, which led to the development of group attachment and culture (Sherif, Harvey; White, B. Jack; Sherif, Carolyn; 1954/1961).

Nevertheless, when rivalry emerged, such as during a football tournament, it was evident that the two groups frequently clashed. In order to establish an unequal environment, the sheriff intended for one squad to receive more favors than the other. For example, one team felt alone because it arrived at the picnic later than the other. The Robbers Cave experiment demonstrated that reconciling diametrically opposed groups is ineffective in reducing intergroup prejudice. Instead, the results of this experiment demonstrated that diverse groups must work together to attain a common objective in order to establish peace effectively.

Therefore, while interaction between groups is necessary for the reduction of intergroup tensions, interdependence is necessary for the development of long-lasting intergroup harmony. His study is notable due to its status as a classic in social psychology and its implications for reducing conflict within genuine social organizations. This research has important implications for a number of prominent social psychology theories, including the social identity theory and the realistic conflict theory. Sheriff's primary objective in conducting the Robber Cave Experiment was to investigate how members of a particular social group interact and evolve. Realistic Conflict Theory, also known as RCT, is regarded as Sheriff's most significant contribution or result from this experiment.

His key conclusions and central observations in his theory were that when antagonism occurred between or among groups, it was likely that prejudices and preconceptions that negatively impacted relationships would be formed (Fine, 2004). Significantly, the experiment revealed that conflicts and discord between groups were most likely to occur when competing for the same limited resource(s). According to Cohen and Insko, intergroup conflicts can arise from a variety of diverse situations. This is due to the fact that members of different groups frequently hold divergent ideological and cultural perspectives, which inevitably lead to conflicts. Therefore, a coordinated action mechanism should be one way to reduce intergroup conflict (Cohen & Insko, 2008).

Second, this can be achieved by establishing a neutral leadership position. Ultimately, in order to avoid conflicts, it is necessary for individuals to increase their outgroup empathy, which promotes harmonious coexistence with members of other groups. We can apply the information garnered from Sherif's (1956) and Insko's (2008) research to our everyday existence. Humans have normalized the classifications we use to define ourselves. This affects how individuals interact with other groups and non-members of their group.

The papers by Insko and Sherif present the concept of a coordinated action mechanism that aids in reducing intergroup conflict in order to cultivate strong relationships with individuals during encounters. For example, intergroup conflict among soccer players can be managed, if there are two groups and two instructors to coordinate them. As a consequence, the coaches must foster goodwill between the two groups through active contact with their respective groups.

References

• Cohen, T. R., & Insko, C. A. (2008). War and peace: Possible approaches to reducing intergroup conflict. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(2), 87-93.
• Fine, G. A. (2004). Review Essay: Forgotten Classic: The Robbers Cave Experiment. Sociological Forum, 19(4).
• Sherif, M., Harvey, O. J., White, B. Jack, Hood, W. R., & Sherif, C. W. (1961). Intergroup Conflict and Cooperation: The Robbers Cave Experiment. University of Oklahoma, Institute of Intergroup Relations.
• Sherif, M. (1956). The psychology of intergroup conflict. Scientific American, 195(4), 124-132.
• Baron, R. A. (2000). Designing and conducting research in social psychology. Cambridge University Press.
• Blumer, H. (1958). Symbolic interactionism. University of Chicago Press.
• Deutsch, M. (1973). The resolution of conflict: Constructive and destructive processes. Yale University Press.
• Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1986). The social identity theory of intergroup behavior. In S. Worchel & L. W. Austin (Eds.), Psychology of intergroup relations. Nelson-Hall.
• Stephen, S. (2011). Intergroup conflict and cooperation: A social psychological perspective. New York: Routledge.
• White, B. J. (1963). Social psychology and intergroup relations. Journal of Social Issues, 19(4), 63-76.