Zimbardo's Study on Deindividuation

• What was the aim of Zimbardo's study?

  To investigate deindividuation in a study similar to that of Milgram's.
• What method did Zimbardo use in his study?

  Four female undergraduates had to deliver fake shocks to another student in two conditions/two groups.
• What were the two groups in Zimbardo's study?

  • Group 1: Individuated group
  • Group 2: Deindividuated group
• What did the individuated group wear in Zimbardo's study?

  Normal clothes and name tags, they could see each other.
• How did the deindividuated group differ from the individuated group?

  They wore large coats and hoods and never referred to by name.
• What was a key result of Zimbardo's study?

  The deindividuated group was more likely to press the button to shock the ‘learner’ in the other room.
• How much longer did the deindividuated group hold the shock button?

  Twice as long as the individuated group
• What conclusion did Zimbardo draw from his study?

  Supporting research on the view that anonymity and deindividuation increases the likelihood of antisocial behaviour.
• What is a weakness of deindividuation according to the evaluation?

  • Deindividuation doesn't always lead to antisocial behavior
  • Example: Johnson and Downing's findings
• What did Johnson and Downing find about participants dressed as a nurse?

  They gave fewer and milder shocks
• How did the shocks given by participants dressed in KKK outfits compare?

  They gave more shocks than those in normal clothes
• What is a strength of understanding deindividuation?

  • It has real-world application and can help manage crowds
  • Example: Using video cameras for crowd control
• How can video cameras help at sporting events?

  They increase self-awareness in crowds
• What is a weakness related to crowding and antisocial behavior?

  • Antisocial behavior may stem from crowding
  • Example: Freedman's observations on animals
• What did Freedman suggest about animals in crowded conditions?

  They feel stressed and act aggressively
• How might overcrowding relate to deindividuation in antisocial behavior?

  Both may contribute to aggressive actions