Deindividuation -Chapter 13 Myers et al +chapter 8 Smith and Haslam

UINN 2025

What is deindividuation?

The loss of self-awareness and evaluation apperhension that occurs in group situations, often leading individuals to respond more to group norms, especially in contexts of anonymity

Who was the main proponent of the concept of deindividuation in social psychology?

Philip Zimbardo is a key figure, especially through his Stanford Prison Experiment, which demonstrated how situational forces and group roles can override personal values and encourage extreme behaviors.

Describe the main findings of the Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE).

The SPE found that ordinary individuals assigned to guard roles quickly adopted tyrannical behaviors, while prisoners became servile; the study was terminated early due to participants’ severe psychological reactions and ethical concerns

What is one critique of the Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE)?

Critics argue that Zimbardo exaggerated the role of situational factors and overlooked individual personality differences and ethical responsibilities, leading to concerns about scientific validity and experimenter intervention.

How does the BBC Prison Study challenge the deindividuation hypothesis?

The BBC study found that not all guards adopted tyranny; collaboration occurred, and authoritarian behavior depended on both personality traits and group dynamics, not only on situational power.

How is deindividuation applied to understanding crowd behavior?

Deindividuation helps explain how anonymity and large groups, such as in riots or emergencies, can foster contagious behaviors that may be prosocial or antisocial, depending on group norms and social identity

What does social identity theory say about crowd behavior?

Social identity theory suggests that people in crowds often shift to a collective identity, guiding behavior toward group goals—in contrast to the classic view that crowd behavior is irrational and chaotic.

Name a historical figure who contributed early theories about crowds and deindividuation.

Gustave Le Bon posited that individuals in crowds regress into primitive behavior due to contagion and loss of individuality.​

What did empirical accounts of the Hillsborough disaster and London bombings reveal about crowds?

These accounts found a mix of panic and resilience; many participants helped one another, challenging the theory that crowd situations always produce selfish or antisocial behaviors.

What are the practical implications of deindividuation research for policy and crowd management?

Research suggests crowd safety strategies should promote psychological security, monitor power dynamics, and recognize that collective identity can foster cooperation, not just risk.