15.2.9

Deindividuation - Diener et al (1976)

Test yourself

Diener et al (1976) - Trick/Treat Children in the US

Diener et al (1976) investigated the effects of deindividuation on aggression.

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Procedure

  • Natural experiment.
  • 1,300 children trick or treaters on Halloween were observed.
  • They were in three conditions:
    • Anonymous (e.g. mask).
    • Non-anonymous.
    • Alone or in a group.
  • The children were given the opportunity to steal money and sweets.
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Results & conclusions

  • Results
    • 57% of those who were anonymous and in a group stole, compared to just 21% that were alone and not anonymous.
  • Conclusion
    • Being anonymous in a group (deindividuation) leads to more antisocial behaviour, as there is less risk of being caught and identified.
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Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Ecologically valid.
    • Practical applications.
  • Limitations
    • Ethics.
    • Demand characteristics and social desirability.

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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