---
title: "Superordinate Goals — AP Psychology Definition & Examples"
description: "Superordinate goals are shared goals that require rival groups to cooperate, reducing conflict. Key to Sherif's Robbers Cave study and AP Psych Topic 9.4."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/superordinate-goals"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Superordinate Goals — AP Psychology Definition & Examples

## Definition

These are shared goals that override differences among people and require their cooperation.

## Additional Context

- **Theoretical Perspectives**: Superordinate goals refer to shared objectives that necessitate cooperative effort, surpassing individual group member's goals. These goals are integral to social identity and intergroup relations theories, promoting cohesion by reducing in-group versus out-group biases.
- **Study And Research Findings**: Muzafer Sherif's Robbers Cave Experiment (1954) is pivotal, demonstrating how superordinate goals reduced hostility between rival groups by requiring them to work together to achieve a common aim, thereby fostering peace and cooperation.

## Related Study Guides

- [9.4 Group Influences on Behavior and Mental Processes](/ap-psych-revised/unit-9/group-influences-on-behavior-mental-processes/study-guide/1H7S3G7JFu0zrIORs4z6)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Cooperation Principle: Working together towards common goals can help reduce conflict and increase harmony.
- [Ingroup Bias](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/ingroup-bias): The tendency to favor our own group, which can be mitigated by focusing on superordinate goals.
- Outgroup Homogeneity Effect: The perception that individuals in the outgroup are more similar to each other than they really are. This can be reduced by identifying shared or superordinate goals.