Definition
- Cooperation: Intergroup pro-social behavior that benefits interests of others, fostering mutual gains. This can involve both parties benefiting or one acting at their own expense for the benefit of others.
- "I win, you win" or "I lose, you win"
- Competition: Interpersonal or intergroup behavior aimed at benefiting oneself, often at the expense of others.
- "I win, you lose"
Realistic Conflict Theory
Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT) posits that conflict between groups is a result of competition for resources. The theory states that competition over limited resources fosters hostility, whereas cooperation toward shared goals reduces intergroup tensions.
Main Claims:
- Negative goal interdependence: one group can only succeed if they other fails. This fosters ingroup favoritism, discriminatory behavior, and hostility towards the outgroup.
- Contact alone is insufficient: bringing groups into contact does not resolve conflict.
- Positive goal interdependence: Conflict can only be reduced by having groups rely on each other and work together towards superordinate goals (common goals).
Sherif et al. (1954):
Aim: To investigate the formation and resolution of intergroup conflict as well how competition for resources leads to hostility and whether working towards a shared goal reduces conflict.
Method:
- A field experiment conducted at Robbers Cave State Park, Oklahoma, where 22 boys (aged 11-12) from similar socio-economic backgrounds were randomly assigned to two groups: The Eagles and The Rattlers.
- The study had three phases:
- Group Formation – Boys participated in bonding activities within their own groups.
- Intergroup Conflict – Competitive games were introduced.
- Conflict Resolution – Superordinate goals (e.g., fixing a broken-down truck together) were introduced to encourage cooperation.
Results:
- Competition led to increased hostility, name-calling, and physical aggression.
- The boys favored their in-group and held negative stereotypes about the out-group.
- When superordinate goals were introduced, hostility decreased, and intergroup cooperation improved.
Conclusion: Conflict arises naturally when groups compete for resources and cooperation towards a shared goal can improve relations.
Evaluation:
- The study's findings support the Realistic Conflict Theory.
- The natural setting increases ecological validity, but results in a lack of control over extraneous variables.
- There are ethical concerns with participants experiencing psychological distress and deception.
- Participants cannot be generalized to other populations which results in a sampling bias.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
Motivation refers to the psychological forces that drive behavior.
Intrinstic Motivation refers to engaging in an activity for its own sake, without the expectation of external rewards. The motivation comes from personal fulfillment. This results in:
- Stronger relationships
- Increased self-esteem
- A well-functioning society which is more pleasant to live in.
Extrinsic Motivation refers to engaging in an activity for external rewards such as money or praise. This often results in pressure and competition but can also foster cooperation when people work together to achieve superordinate goals.
Case studyTauer & Harackiewicz (2004):
Aim: To investigate the effects of competition, cooperation, and a combination of both (co-opetition) on motivation and performance in a task.
Method:
- 44 boys (ages 9-14) were randomly assigned to three different conditions while playing a basketball-related task:
- Competition condition: working alone against another player.
- Cooperation condition: working with a teammate to achieve a shared goal.
- Co-opetition condition: working in pairs but also competed against another pair.
- Performance and intrinsic motivation were measured using surveys and observed behavior.
Results:
- Co-opetition had the highest performance and motivation.
- Competition alone resulted in lower intrinsic motivation compared to co-opetition.
- Cooperation alone increased motivation but not performance as much as co-opetition.
Conclusion: Co-opetition can enhance both performance and motivation.
Evaluation:
- The study had a controlled environment which increases the study's internal validity.
- Participants cannot be generalized to other populations which results in a sampling bias.
- The study measured only immediate effects. Long-term applications are unclear.
- Some individuals may respond differently. The study did not account for pre-existing motivational tendencies, which could have influenced the results.
Critical Thinking
- Strengths:
- Provides insights into group dynamics, enhancing the understanding of intergroup relations including prejudice, discrimination, etc.
- Findings inform real-world conflict resolution strategies in contexts such as education, workplaces, and international relations.
- Explains the role of motivation in shaping behaviors.
- Limitations:
- Experimental settings may lack ecological validity.
- Many studies focus on specific populations which limit their ability to apply to other populations and cultures.
- Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT) emphasizes resource competition as the primary cause of intergroup conflict but overlooks other factors, such as:
- Social categorization
- Historical and political influences
- Applications:
- Educational settings: cooperative learning strategies.
- Workplaces: team-building exercises.
