A Famous Experiment Shows How ‘Enemies’ Can Become Friends Overnight

The Epoch Times Header

In 1954, psychologists uncovered a method to turn even the worst of rivals into friends.

In 1954, psychologists assembled 22 fifth-grade boys, split them into two camps, and observed how rivalry turned to friendship.

This was the famous Robbers Cave Experiment. The boys were quartered in Robbers Cave State Park, Oklahoma, with an interesting twist—neither group knew of the other’s existence. In the first week, the groups bonded in isolation through activities like swimming, hiking, and playing. Eventually, the groups named themselves the “Eagles” and the other the “Rattlers,” proudly displaying their new names on their shirts and flags.

With the groups established, the second phase of the experiment began: The Eagles and the Rattlers were made aware of each other’s existence. The outcome? They met and immediately began competing. They engaged in games like tug-of-war, touch football, and scavenger hunts, and as they competed, their hostility escalated.

The conflict began with name-calling and quickly intensified. The boys were setting each other’s flags on fire and throwing rocks, preparing for an all-out brawl. The experimenters had to intervene and separate the boys. After all, it was a psychological experiment, not a war simulation.

Next came the challenge of reconciliation. This marked the beginning of Phase 3. Initially, the boys were encouraged to interact through films and play, but this “mere contact” approach proved inadequate, often leading to further conflicts.

This called for a new approach. The experimenters introduced cooperative tasks that required both groups to collaborate toward shared goals. One task involved unlocking a faucet to resolve a water shortage problem. Another required pooling funds together for a movie both groups wanted to see. By the evening, the Eagles and Rattlers were friends—they shook hands, dined together, and even shared a few malts while watching the film.

“People that band together for a superordinate goal can transcend obstacles or differences that seem less important in the face of a challenge,” Robert Backer, a research scientist with a doctorate in psychology and neuroscience, told The Epoch Times.

As seen in the Robber Cave Experiment, these shared goals effectively reduced hostility and drastically improved group relations. The results transformed the understanding of group dynamics and, in a surprising way, provide insight into the value of Independence Day.

The Ties That Bind Americans

Despite many Americans describing the country as “divided” and “polarized,” recent polls show enduring feelings of pride and optimism. In 2023, 87 percent of Americans celebrated Independence Day, with a significant majority expressing strong patriotic sentiments. Additionally, an international survey found that the United States is among the most patriotic countries in the world.

By Makai Allbert

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Columns

Why Fishermen Are Catching Fewer Lobsters in Maine

For veteran lobsterman Travis Dammier, it was the end of another trip at sea on a solo voyage to earn a living.

Viewers like you

There is no constitutional authority for any spending on public broadcasting – period. Any questions: See Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

Beyond the Trump-Musk fallout?

We are witnessing an unprecedented, unhinged Democrat effort to use lawfare, big Democrat donors, street theater, congressional disruptions, potty-mouth videos, the administrative state, the legacy media, and discredited pollsters to stop the Trump agenda.

Trans-wormal

No worm ever said "I am anthropomorphizing, I am a butterfly" to a toad or flock of geese and expected acknowledgement and support.

In Greenland’s Icy Capital, Past Troubles Haunt Hopes for the Future

As geopolitical realities and ongoing economic growth raise the stakes, U.S. interest in Greenland and the dream of independence may change things in a big way.

News

Judge Declines to Block Trump Admin From Dismantling Library Services Agency

A federal judge cleared the way for the Trump admin to move forward with plan to dismantle the federal agency that funds libraries nationwide.

Musk Mulls New Political Party Amid Feud With Trump

Elon Musk is considering launching a new political party in wake of his public fallout with President Trump over a major Republican tax and spending bill.

Citigroup Reverses Course on Controversial Firearm Policies

Citigroup reversed its policy requiring retail business clients to refrain from selling firearms to those who haven’t passed background checks.

Supreme Court Sides With DOGE in Social Security, Records Cases

The Supreme Court handed DOGE two big wins late on June 6 in its effort to reduce the size of the federal government.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia Returns to US to Face Criminal Charges

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a citizen of El Salvador, is on his way back to the US, where he will face criminal charges for allegedly smuggling illegal immigrants.

White House Adviser Gives Update on DOGE’s Future Amid Musk–Trump Spat

A top White House adviser said DOGE’s work will likely continue amid a spat between its former chief, Elon Musk, and President Donald Trump.

Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Allow Dismantling of Education Department

Trump admin asked Supreme Court to allow it to resume dismantling U.S. Dept of Education, following a lower court’s previous order halting process.

FTC Warns of Rising Student Loan Scams, Says Fraudsters Took Millions From Borrowers

FTC is warning borrowers to steer clear of student loan debt-relief scams, after shutting down group of companies that allegedly charged millions in illegal fees and left customers worse off.
spot_img

Related Articles