Deindividuation - Diener et al (1976)
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 15.2.9
Diener et al (1976) - Trick/Treat Children in the US
Diener et al (1976) investigated the effects of deindividuation on aggression.
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.
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.
Evaluation
- Strengths
- Ecologically valid.
- Practical applications.
- Limitations
- Ethics.
- Demand characteristics and social desirability.
Test yourself on Deindividuation - Diener et al (1976)
What were the 3 conditions in Diener et al's (1976) study on trick/treaters?
What was Diener et al's (1976) research method?