John is taking part in a student protest, marching across police lines into an important administrative building on campus. He is so wrapped up in the group mentality that he actually stops thinking about himself as an individual who is separate from the group, and fails to ask himself whether or not he is behaving responsibly. John is probably experiencing ____.
A)deindividuation
B)optimal distinctiveness
C)social facilitation
D)social loafing

Question

John is taking part in a student protest, marching across police lines into an important administrative building on campus. He is so wrapped up in the group mentality that he actually stops thinking about himself as an individual who is separate from the group, and fails to ask himself whether or not he is behaving responsibly. John is probably experiencing ____. ​
A)deindividuation
B)optimal distinctiveness
C)social facilitation
D)social loafing

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

John is likely experiencing deindividuation, a psychological state characterized by diminished self-consciousness, reduced concern over social evaluation, and a decreased sense of personal responsibility, often occurring in group settings that promote anonymity and a diffusion of responsibility.

John Is Taking Part in a Student Protest, Marching Across