What does the Robber's Cave Experiment demonstrate about group behavior?

The Robber's Cave Experiment, conducted by Muzafer Sherif in the 1950s, involved two groups of boys at a summer camp who were initially segregated and later put in competitive situations, which resulted in notable intergroup hostility. The experiment illustrated that competition between groups fosters negative feelings and behaviors, such as aggression and prejudice, towards members of the opposing group. This outcome reflects the psychological dynamics of in-group versus out-group behavior and highlights how competition can escalate conflicts.

By placing the groups in a competitive context, the experiment showed how easily animosities can develop when groups vie for limited resources or recognition. When the boys were competing for trophies, their attitudes toward each other deteriorated quickly, leading to acts of hostility. Thus, this demonstrates that competition indeed creates divisions and animosity between groups, validating the assertion that competition leads to the creation of intergroup hostilities.