Effects of a Minimal Audience on Physical Aggression

Abstract

In a laboratory setting 14 undergraduate Ss earned money by pulling a panel-mounted knob. In addition, Ss could avoid or escape an aversive tone by either pressing a button with a force of 1.5 lb (a non-aggressive response) or by hitting a padded cushion with a force of 20 lb (an aggressive response). Half of the Ss worked alone; half in the presence of a confederate who worked on a similar task and made no aggressive responses. Higher rates and magnitudes of punching were shown by Ss with an audience. This social facilitating effect of an audience on physical aggression tended to decline over time. Comparison of rates of aggressive and non-aggressive responses suggests that the former are more sensitive to social facilitation.