Deindividuation

Outline and evaluate deindividuation as a social psychological explanation of aggression. (16)

Define deindividuation

the feeling of anonymity gained from being in a large crowd, wearing a uniform, wearing a mask etc.

Why is the loss of self identity an important component of deindividuation?

- when part of a group, any action that an individual takes is attributed to the group as a whole

- this results in a diffusion of personal responsibility, leading to higher levels of aggression and anti-social behaviour

E.g. Prison > leads to aggressive behaviour like riots

E.g. Football hooliganism > wearing football clubs shirts, scarves ext.

E.g. The military

Describe the stages of deindividuation:

1. Anonymity
2. Decreases accountability
3. Decreased fear of negative evaluation + repercussions
4. Lowered inhibitions
5. Aggression

Describe a study that looks at how altering ones appearance leads to anonymity and therefore deindividuation

Rehm et al (1987): German handball

> 30 games of handball in German schools. Some wore the same orange shirts, others their own shirts

> Those in orange shirts showed more aggressive behaviour during the game

> Anonymity (in the form of uniform) led to more aggression

+ Generalisable- natural study, so high ecological validity

Describe a study that looks into how being part of a large crowd leads to anonymity and therefore individuation

Mann (1981: Baiting crowds

> Looked at crowds of people gathered to watch a potential suicide victim

> ‘Baiters’ (those saying ‘jump’) were more likely to appear in large crowds

> The anonymity of being in a large crowd led to aggressive behaviour

Describe three criticisms/limitations of deindividuation

Gergen et al (1973):

> put 8 strangers into a pitch black room for one hour. Many kissed and touched each other intimately

> shows that deindividuation does not always lead to aggression.

There are many real life examples of deindividuation in which aggression didn't occur:

> e.g. large religious gatherings, children wearing school uniform)

> this may be due to the effects of social cues (deindividuation only leads to aggression when anti-social cues are present)

Applications:

Ensuring individuals are identifiable e.g. police with body cams and personal identification numbers on their uniforms, may prevent aggression due to deindividuation