Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M3202

Robbers Cave Experiment

Robbers Cave Experiment
BehaviorHigh supportSocial Psychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-31

CORE DEFINITION

Two groups of boys who did not know each other were taken to a camp separately and quickly formed hostile groups. Neither reasoning nor shared meals could eliminate the hostility. Finally, the researchers created crises (water shortage, truck breakdown) that forced the two groups to cooperate to solve the problems (superordinate goals), and only then did the hostility disappear. -

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

The ultimate means of team integration. No amount of team-building dinners will work. To integrate two opposing departments or new hires with old employees, the only way is to create a 'common enemy' or a task that requires both parties to participate and is indispensable.

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Anchor fast decisions

Sherif's experiment showed that competition between two groups produces hostility, while common goals (superordinate goals) promote cooperation.

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Realistic_conflict_theoryZH · Explicit
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