The 'Robber's Cave' experiment by Sherif showed the value of ______ in reducing prejudice.

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (2).
Superordinate goals are shared objectives that require cooperation between groups, encouraging people from different backgrounds or groups to work together for a common purpose. In the Robber's Cave Experiment conducted by Muzafer Sherif in 1954, the reduction of prejudice between two groups of boys was achieved by introducing a superordinate goal that both groups had to achieve together. The superordinate goal was a task that could not be accomplished by either group alone (such as fixing a broken water supply), which required the groups to work together and reduce their prejudices and intergroup hostility.
Sherif’s findings demonstrate that when groups with conflicting interests are given a shared goal that is important for both groups, they can overcome prejudice and hostility.

Information Booster

Robber's Cave Experiment by Sherif
1.1. The Robber's Cave Experiment is one of the most famous studies in social psychology, conducted by Muzafer Sherif and his colleagues in 1954. The experiment involved 22 boys aged 11-12 who were divided into two groups during a summer camp.
1.2. Initially, the two groups were kept separate, and competition was introduced through a series of games. This led to intergroup conflict and the development of prejudices and hostilities between the groups.
1.3. Sherif then introduced a series of superordinate goals, which required both groups to cooperate. These goals were tasks that neither group could complete on their own (such as fixing a water supply).
1.4. The results showed that once the groups cooperated to achieve the superordinate goals, their prejudice and hostility were significantly reduced, and they began to form positive intergroup relationships.
1.5. The experiment demonstrated the importance of cooperation and shared objectives in overcoming intergroup conflict and prejudice.

Additional Information
Stereotypes
2.1. Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group of people. They involve assumptions about characteristics, behaviors, or traits that are believed to apply to all members of a group, regardless of individual differences.
2.2. Stereotypes are often rooted in prejudices and are typically based on categories such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or social class.
2.3. According to social psychology, stereotypes can influence how we perceive and interact with others. They can lead to discrimination and reinforce social inequalities.
2.4. Cognitive psychology suggests that stereotyping occurs as a natural cognitive process to simplify social interactions by categorizing people. However, this categorization can lead to biases and misjudgments about others, often contributing to prejudice.
2.5. Breaking stereotypes requires intergroup contact, positive experiences, and changing perceptions by providing opportunities for cooperation, as seen in Sherif's Robber's Cave Experiment. Reducing stereotypes and prejudices involves promoting mutual respect and understanding between different groups.