1. Read pp. 339-344 Define the following: Define the following: Contagion of behaviourContagion of behaviour DeindividuationDeindividuation Deindividuation theoryDeindividuation theory PropagandaPropaganda GroupthinkGroupthink

2. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Deindividuation Zimbardo (1970) Zimbardo (1970) 2 key factors are crowds which: 2 key factors are crowds which: 1.Lead people to feel less accountable for their actions 2.Increase obedience to group norms “It can be argued that whenever we become less self-conscious or deindividuated, we become more responsive to the group experience.” (p. 340) “It can be argued that whenever we become less self-conscious or deindividuated, we become more responsive to the group experience.” (p. 340)

3. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Social Identity Theory Most important element: explanation of how we are not one ‘personal self’ but in fact have several ‘selves’ that correspond to the groups to which we belong. (p. 340) Most important element: explanation of how we are not one ‘personal self’ but in fact have several ‘selves’ that correspond to the groups to which we belong. (p. 340) Our social identity is the self-concept drawn from the groups we are members ofOur social identity is the self-concept drawn from the groups we are members of Once we are members of a group that becomes the in-group and we differentiate from the out groupOnce we are members of a group that becomes the in-group and we differentiate from the out group ie, a connection to a sports team ie, a connection to a sports team

4. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Crowds can be one of two things: Crowds can be one of two things: Exciting (White Hart Lane, or Summerfest)Exciting (White Hart Lane, or Summerfest) Frightening (Riots, Hooligans)Frightening (Riots, Hooligans) A persons comfort level in each crowd is down to the individuals personality reasons for being in the crowd, how the crowd was formed, other variables (one notable variable-alcohol) A persons comfort level in each crowd is down to the individuals personality reasons for being in the crowd, how the crowd was formed, other variables (one notable variable-alcohol)

5. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Propaganda We have studied propaganda in history and how leaders use it to manipulate ideas We have studied propaganda in history and how leaders use it to manipulate ideas In Ψ, we will look at propaganda and how it can be used to manipulate emotions In Ψ, we will look at propaganda and how it can be used to manipulate emotions Since the text uses the Nazis as an example, we can too.Since the text uses the Nazis as an example, we can too.

6. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Examples of propaganda to manipulate emotion Examples of propaganda to manipulate emotion The use of banners, Hitler’s brilliant oratory, one-armed salutesThe use of banners, Hitler’s brilliant oratory, one-armed salutes “Hitler believed that effective propaganda had to appeal to the emotions because he believed the German masses expressed themselves in crude emotions rather than through intellect.” (p. 341) “Hitler believed that effective propaganda had to appeal to the emotions because he believed the German masses expressed themselves in crude emotions rather than through intellect.” (p. 341)

7. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Hitler used fear to increase acceptance Hitler used fear to increase acceptance Fear appeal is most effective when:Fear appeal is most effective when: It scares people It scares people Offers a recommendation for overcoming a threat Offers a recommendation for overcoming a threat The recommendation is seen as effective for reducing the threat The recommendation is seen as effective for reducing the threat Those who hear the message believe they can do the recommended action thus defeating the threat Those who hear the message believe they can do the recommended action thus defeating the threat Hitler’s two main threats- Communism and JewsHitler’s two main threats- Communism and Jews

8. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Cults Blind obedience, good and bad? Blind obedience, good and bad? Good: following laws, less chaosGood: following laws, less chaos Bad: when a person comes in contact with social forces so powerful they distort realityBad: when a person comes in contact with social forces so powerful they distort reality Cult defined: group of people who organize themselves around a strong authority figure Cult defined: group of people who organize themselves around a strong authority figure This figure uses techniques to influence as well as deception to gain and maintain controlThis figure uses techniques to influence as well as deception to gain and maintain control

9. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Using the given definition, how does a cult differ from other groups? Using the given definition, how does a cult differ from other groups? Organized religion or altruistic organizations are not based on authoritarian control, they do not use deception to recruit, and do not use coercive methods to gain recruitsOrganized religion or altruistic organizations are not based on authoritarian control, they do not use deception to recruit, and do not use coercive methods to gain recruits Margaret Thaler Singer(2003) Margaret Thaler Singer(2003) The ultimate goal of cults is different from other sorts of organizations because cults focus on a single self-serving purpose. Whereas religion focuses attention outward to improve livesThe ultimate goal of cults is different from other sorts of organizations because cults focus on a single self-serving purpose. Whereas religion focuses attention outward to improve lives

10. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Cults do not actively recruit those who have psychological problems Cults do not actively recruit those who have psychological problems Cult leaders want intelligent, productive, and financially capable individualsCult leaders want intelligent, productive, and financially capable individuals Why join the cult then? Why join the cult then? Search for a difference between who they are and who they want to beSearch for a difference between who they are and who they want to be Established or conventional religions are inadequateEstablished or conventional religions are inadequate Easy solutions for problemsEasy solutions for problems The cult provides solutions with structure, authority and close social contact The cult provides solutions with structure, authority and close social contact The cult seems to offer people all the things they want and need to live a happy and successful life. (p. 343)

11. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Groupthink A type of group decision-making where the group is so determined to make a harmonious decision that they fail to have a realistic look at alternatives A type of group decision-making where the group is so determined to make a harmonious decision that they fail to have a realistic look at alternatives Derives from the poor decisions of the 20 th century Derives from the poor decisions of the 20 th century Pearl Harbor, invasion of Cuba in 1961, Space Shuttle ChallengerPearl Harbor, invasion of Cuba in 1961, Space Shuttle Challenger

12. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour All those events share a similar process All those events share a similar process 1.Group feels invulnerable and optimistic Decision was made without thoughts of alternatives Decision was made without thoughts of alternatives 2.Any alternative from an out-group is not listened to 3.The decision is unanimous even if there are reservations There is mutual support and high morale, but the decision is uninformed and unrealistic There is mutual support and high morale, but the decision is uninformed and unrealistic

13. “Truth springs from argument among friends.” David Hume (18 th Century How to avoid Groupthink-thoughts? How to avoid Groupthink-thoughts? Acknowledge that situations and individuals are complexAcknowledge that situations and individuals are complex Groups should look at all different options and examine all relevant materialGroups should look at all different options and examine all relevant material Janis (1982) offers tips to avoid Groupthink Janis (1982) offers tips to avoid Groupthink Leader encourages doubts and objections (leader must be able to accept criticism as well)Leader encourages doubts and objections (leader must be able to accept criticism as well) Leader is impartial during discussionLeader is impartial during discussion Subcommittees are formed to evaluate all anglesSubcommittees are formed to evaluate all angles Use of outside expertsUse of outside experts Each member is given the “devil’s advocate” role to seek out any problemsEach member is given the “devil’s advocate” role to seek out any problems