Imagine that you have been asked to diffuse the tension and conflict between two rival neighbourhood groups. If you were to apply Muzafer Sherif's findings in the Robbers Cave study to your situation, you would:
A) promise the group leaders monetary rewards if they can keep the conflict down between the rival groups.
B) engage the groups in cooperative action in pursuit of shared goals.
C) encourage the spread of positive rumours about the opposing groups.
D) establish an all-night basketball league and have the groups compete against one another.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Muzafer Sherif's findings in the Robbers Cave study indicated that intergroup conflict can be reduced by engaging the groups in cooperative action in pursuit of shared goals. This can involve finding activities or projects that both groups can work on together in order to build trust and increase positive interactions. This approach fosters a sense of interdependence, and the groups may begin to see each other in more positive terms as they work towards a common goal. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Imagine That You Have Been Asked to Diffuse the Tension