Replicating Latané's classic experiment, students are asked to clap and shout as loudly as possible. Half perform alone; half in groups of six, believing the group's combined output is measured. Per-person sound output drops by roughly 30% in the group condition, even though all participants insist they exerted full effort.
Which manipulation should MOST reduce loafing in a follow-up study?
- A
Increasing group size to 12
- B
Telling participants the task is unimportant
- C
Having participants wear identical hooded robes
- Dcheck_circle
Telling participants their individual outputs will be identified and measured
Explanation
Loafing diminishes when individual contributions become identifiable and evaluable; larger groups, low task importance, and anonymity all increase loafing.