Deindividuation Flashcards
What does the Deinidividuation theory suggest?
That the combination of anonymity, suggestibility, and contagion create a “collective mind”. Individuals lose self control.
What is deindividuation characterised by and what does it lead to?
Lowered self-evaluation, decreased concerns about evaluation. This leads to an increase in behaviour normally inhibited.
What factors contribute to deindividuation?
Anonymity - which has the psychological consequence of reducing inner restraints, and altered consciousness due to drugs or alcohol.
What else does deindividuation apply to other than antisocial behaviour?
Prosocial behaviour, such as religious groups or music festivals.
Why is uncivilised behaviour normally inhibited?
Because there are social norms, and partly because individuals are easily identifiable.
Describe how the conditions of anonymity influence behaviours.
The greater the crowd, the greater the anonymity. There is a diminished fear of negative evaluation, and minimal concerns. This weakens the normal barrier of antisocial behaviour based on guilt or shame.
Describe Zimbardo’s research into anonymity.
Zimbardo’s study used 4 female undergrads, half anonymous and half not, had to shock individuals. Anonymous shocked for twice as long.
This shows that anonymity is a key component.
Describe Rehm’s research into anonymity.
Study of uniform on randomly assigned German children in football. Uniformed children showed higher levels of aggression.
This shows that uniforms and great numbers contribute to aggression.
Describe research into the faceless crowd.
Mullen analysed 60 lynch newspaper cuttings from 1899-1946. Found that the greater the numbers in a mob the greater the savagery of the killing.
This shows that a large crowd can increase aggressive behaviour.
Describe the alternative perspective to Zimbardo’s Deindividuation theory.
Dunn’s reduced private self awareness. This claims that it is reduced self awareness. If an individual is self focused, they act according to internalised attitudes. They become less privately self aware in a group and is then less able to regulate behaviour.
