Robbers Cave Experiment free essay sample

Through the experiments exercised you will see he outcome of different variables added to covey the studies purpose. Theory Experiment The Robbers Cave experiment focused on a group Of boys, how the groups are formed, and the hierarchies created within the group. Robbers cave also focused on what happens when the group comes into contact with other groups. The experiment added competition within in the group to discover a level of hierarchies in the group. Also the group conveyed a level of comradely within the group.The experiment divided the boys into 2 groups, in the beginning neither group knew the other group existed. The theory introduced the ideal of how groups deal with integration of another group with common goals. The Len- group formation phase was used for the group to begin the bonding stage. The bonding between the boys help create an interrelation to one another. The group was also asked to label their group. We will write a custom essay sample on Robbers Cave Experiment or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Labeling helped the boys create an identity to help identify themselves with the group. The second phase is described as the Friction phase, at this point each group was able to acknowledge each group existed.During this time each group would engage in a series of competition that created a friction. There were prizes given to the group with the highest scores. This also led to the hierarchies between the groups. The competition lasted for several days to build up a degree of frustration amongst the two groups. Due to the friction caused by the competitive sports this created the antagonizing atmosphere between the two groups. (Green) Entering into the third phase of the study the boys were all taken to a common area they would share together.The 3rd phase Integration was designed to create cooperation amongst the two groups Green). There was a series of scenarios designed for the groups to accomplish together. The first experiment was for the group to figure out a way to fix the water supply problem that was vandalized. The group together was able to fix the problem. This also helped create interdependence on each other as a whole. The second experiment was for the boys to agree on a movie that they would watch during dinner. The boys were able to decide on a movie and were able to eat in the same common area.The theory was able to explain the concept of what will happen between groups when certain rabbles take place. It also was able to show that when things of common interest are at the fore front of issues that can affect all parties, they were able to come to a solution. The Robbers cave also exposed the simplicity of how groups interact within a group and when another is introduced. This is similar to the way cultures engage with one another. Looking at real life situations Robbers Cave can be used as a platform for understanding group relations towards each other. Using the example of a practicing therapist, who is leading a group of high school teenagers during a group therapy session. Robbers cave can be used for the therapist to see how groups can are formed within a group. The leading example would be some of the groups members are teasing a few of the other group members because of their social economic back grounds. The therapist would begin to identify the variable that divides the group. Although Robbers cave participants came from similar back grounds, the group of teenagers also has similar attributes.Therefore I believe it would be up to the therapist to identify what would cause this group to progress by introducing topics that are neutral in order or the teens to develop relationships. Culture diversity represents the Robbers Cave well. When dealing with a foreigner coming to the Ignited States, I believe that you can apply the Robbers cave theory. By understanding the level of competitiveness within American and the hierarchy created from financial capital. The recent job market revealed a level of racism amongst the groups in America. For example White America was saying that the Hispanics are taking their jobs.This was not deployed until the economic crisis was introduced. The common goal would be to create an equal playing filed for each group to be working for a common goal. By placing each group in a setting were they forced to have to depend on one another will hopefully open up the dialogue, about how to create jobs for all people ii groups. Conclusion The Robbers Cave theory applies to many scenarios society faces today. The observations made from the Robbers Cave gave insight on how groups are formed and the hierarchy created within the in group.