Effects of Anonymity and Arousal on Aggression
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Abstract
Summary A 2 × 2 factorial experiment employing 32 male undergraduates investigated the aggression-instigating effects of anonymity and general emotional arousal in a small group context. According to Zimbardo, a general state of anonymity reduces the risk of detection and censure from others for behaving aggressively. As predicted, general emotional arousal enhanced aggression only if the students felt anonymous to the E, the victim, and the other group members. This finding was interpreted in terms of models that assume arousal energizes behavior and situational cues direct behavior.