The Lessons of "The Trick-or-Treat Study"

"In the study, Diener et al. made observations of 1,352 trick-or-treating children at 27 confederate locations (i.e. houses where treats were provided by an experimenter) in Seattle, in order to assess various effects associated with deindividuation. In particular, they examined effects of anonymity and group dynamics relating to aloneness and responsibility. The crux of the experiment was that children were essentially provided an opportunity to 'steal' candy or money. But would they?-and under what conditions?"

"Interestingly, I also enjoy the connotations of the word 'steal' in this context. For example, in the context of 'stealing' candy, one might consider the issue in terms of the 'cheekiness' of some children. However, when money is involved (albeit negligible amounts), the context might switch from 'cheeky' to 'felonious'. Perhaps, 'stealing' is the appropriate word to use; but contextually, some may perceive the variable of what's being inappropriately taken as representing a big distinction. But, I digress."

"As part of the study, researchers in confederate houses opened their doors upon the atypical knock at the door and invited trick-or-treating children to take ONE piece of candy from a bowl on a table. They would then advise that they needed to attend to a matter elsewhere in the house and leave. Notably, about two feet away from the candy was a bowl full of pennies and nickels (remember, this was the '70s)."

1,352 trick-or-treating children were observed at 27 confederate locations in Seattle to assess effects associated with deindividuation. The research examined anonymity and group dynamics relating to aloneness and responsibility. Confederates invited children to take one piece of candy from a bowl and then left the room. A bowl of pennies and nickels sat about two feet from the candy, providing an opportunity to take money. Some children arrived alone and some in groups. Some children were asked their names and addresses. In some groups the experimenter assigned the smallest child to be responsible if any extra candy was taken.

Read at Psychology Today