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 â Boys participated in bonding activities within their own groups.
- Intergroup Conflict â Competitive games were introduced.
- Conflict Resolution â 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
