Read pp. 339-344

1. Read pp. 339-344 • Define the following: • Contagion of behaviour • Deindividuation • Deindividuation theory • Propaganda • Groupthink

2. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Deindividuation • Zimbardo (1970) • 2 key factors are crowds which: • Lead people to feel less accountable for their actions • 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)

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) • Our 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 group • ie, a connection to a sports team

4. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour • Crowds can be one of two things: • Exciting (White Hart Lane, or Summerfest) • 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)

5. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Propaganda • 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 • Since the text uses the Nazis as an example, we can too.

6. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour • Examples of propaganda to manipulate emotion • The 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)

7. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour • Hitler used fear to increase acceptance • Fear appeal is most effective when: • It scares people • Offers a recommendation for overcoming a 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 • Hitler’s two main threats- Communism and Jews

8. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour Cults • Blind obedience, good and bad? • Good: following laws, less chaos • Bad: 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 • This 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? • 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 recruits • 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 lives

10. Other Theories of Collective Behaviour • Cults do not actively recruit those who have psychological problems • Cult leaders want intelligent, productive, and financially capable individuals • Why join the cult then? • Search for a difference between who they are and who they want to be • Established or conventional religions are inadequate • Easy solutions for problems • 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 • Derives from the poor decisions of the 20th century • Pearl Harbor, invasion of Cuba in 1961, Space Shuttle Challenger

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

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