Social psychology 2: Realistic conflict theory

Realistic conflict theory is what type of theory?

• A dispositional theory of prejudice

• A situational theory of prejudice

• A dispositional theory of obedience

• A dispositional theory of obedience

What is the conflict between groups is called ?

• Intragroup conflict

• Intergroup conflict

• Realistic conflict

• Supergroup conflict

According to this theory, what is prejudice the result of?

• The mere presence of another group

• Stereotypes

• Competition for scarce resources

• Out-group bias

According to this theory, what can prejudice be reduced by?

• Subordinate goals

• Superordinate goals

• Substantial goals

• Superordinary goals

What are superordinate goals?

• Common goals

• Activities which benefit one group

• Tasks which result in benefits for both groups

• Goals which can only be achieved if both groups work together

The theory is suported by...

• Sherif et al. (1954, 1961)

• Tajfel et al. (1971)

• Ember and Ember (1992)

• Jane Elliott

A problem with the Sherif et al. study as supporting evidence for realistic conflict theory is...

• The sample was gender-biased

• Prejudice was not accurately measured

• It lacks ecological validity

• The boys were already showing hostility towards one another before the introduction of competition

What is the problem with the Ember and Ember study as evidence for realistic conflict theory?

• It lacks ecological validity

• As a correlation it cannot establish causality

• Demand characteristics reduce the internal validity of the findings

• The sample was gender-biased

A big issue with this theory is that it does not explain...

• why some people are more likely to show prejudice than others

• situational factors involved in prejudice

• individual differences in prejudice

• cultural differences in prejudice