Sherif's Robbers Cave experiment

Definition

A classic social psychology experiment conducted by Muzafer Sherif in which two groups of boys were brought to a summer camp and put into competition with each other, leading to conflict and eventually reconciliation.

Related terms

Intergroup conflict:

Conflict that arises between different groups based on their identities or affiliations.

Ingroup bias: The tendency for individuals to favor members of their own group over those from other groups.

Superordinate goal: A common goal that can only be achieved by working together, often leading to reduced intergroup conflict.