The Lord of the Flies Survivor Experiment is a psychological study that aimed to investigate the human behavior and social dynamics in a simulated environment. The experiment was inspired by William Golding's novel, "Lord of the Flies," in which a group of young boys stranded on an uninhabited island struggle to survive and maintain social order.
The Experiment
The experiment was conducted by Muzafer Sherif, Carolyn Sherif, and Roger Barker from 1954 to 1955 at Robbers Cave State Park in Oklahoma. The researchers selected 22 eleven-year-old boys from middle-class families with no history of delinquency or behavioral problems.
The boys were divided into two groups and placed in separate camps at a distance of one mile from each other. The researchers created a series of competitions and challenges to promote group cohesion and identity within each group. The boys were unaware of the existence of the other group.
The Results
Initially, each group developed a strong sense of identity and camaraderie within their respective camps. However, when the two groups were introduced to each other, tensions quickly arose, and competition turned into hostility.
The researchers observed that the boys used derogatory language and derogatory behavior towards each other. They formed stereotypes and prejudices against the other group and refused to cooperate or communicate with them.
The researchers then introduced a series of problems, such as water shortages and broken-down trucks, that required the two groups to work together to solve. The researchers found that the boys gradually overcame their hostility and began to cooperate and communicate with each other to solve the problems.
Conclusion
The Lord of the Flies Survivor Experiment provided valuable insights into the dynamics of group behavior and the formation of identity and social norms. The experiment demonstrated that even in a simulated environment, group identity and competition can quickly turn into hostility and conflict.
However, the experiment also showed that cooperation and communication can overcome stereotypes and prejudices and lead to the resolution of conflicts. The experiment's findings have significant implications for understanding the dynamics of human behavior and social interactions in real-world situations.