AP Psychology Social Psychology Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Shared goals that can help override differences and require cooperation among conflicting groups are known as superordinate goals. These goals bring groups together by focusing their efforts on a common objective that is more important than their individual differences. The concept was prominently discussed in social psychology through the Robbers Cave Experiment, where two groups of boys with conflicting interests were able to resolve their hostilities by working together towards a shared goal, such as restoring water supply to their camp.

Superordinate goals are effective because they shift the focus from competing interests and hostility towards collaboration and joint action. This fosters an environment where individuals or groups can see the benefits of working together, leading to reduced prejudice and improved relationships across conflicting parties.

The other concepts mentioned do not encapsulate this idea of leveraging shared goals to promote cooperation among conflicting groups. Ethnocentrism refers to evaluating other cultures based on one's own cultural norms, which can exacerbate differences. The social responsibility norm describes the expectation that people help those dependent on them, but it does not emphasize shared goals. Graduated and reciprocated initiatives involve stepwise approaches to conflict resolution, but they do not specifically highlight the role of superordinate goals in bridging group divides.