Final Answer:
Sherif's study challenged the initial views of prejudice by demonstrating that intergroup conflict and hostility can arise even in the absence of preexisting prejudices, showing how group dynamics and competition can foster hostility between groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sherif's study, conducted at Robbers Cave, showcased a crucial shift in understanding prejudice. Initially, prejudice was believed to stem from individual biases or learned behaviors. However, Sherif's findings unveiled the role of group dynamics in generating hostility. The boys in the study, initially strangers to one another, formed cohesive groups. Once group identities solidified, competition was introduced, leading to conflict and hostility between them. This outcome indicated that prejudices can manifest as a result of intergroup competition, rather than solely from preexisting biases.
Moreover, Sherif's study highlighted the potential for conflict resolution. By introducing shared goals that required collaboration between the groups, such as fixing a water supply issue, Sherif demonstrated that cooperation could alleviate hostility. This aspect challenged the notion that prejudices were unchangeable or ingrained, suggesting that altering group dynamics and fostering cooperation might mitigate intergroup hostility.
Overall, Sherif's study reframed prejudice from being solely rooted in individual beliefs to a product of group dynamics and competition. This shift prompted a deeper exploration of how social contexts, group identities, and intergroup interactions contribute significantly to the formation and resolution of prejudices.