JOHNSON & DOWNING'S 1979 DEINDIVIDUATION STUDY

What is deindividuation?

Deindividuation is a psychological state characterized by decreased self-awareness, reduced concern for social evaluation, and increased impulsivity, often leading to deviant behavior.

What was the main focus of Johnson & Downing's 1979 study?

The study focused on how the anonymity of individuals in a group could lead to deindividuation and increased aggression or prosocial behavior.

What experiment did Johnson & Downing conduct in their study?

The experiment involved participants being assigned to wear either Ku Klux Klan outfits (associated with aggressive behaviour) or nurses outfits (associated with prosocial behaviour) while delivering electric shocks to a confederate.

What were the key findings of Johnson & Downing's study?

The study found that participants in Klan outfits administered more severe shocks compared to those in nurse outfits, demonstrating that deindividuation can lead to increased aggression in anonymous settings.