Question for the experts: I remember reading somewhere that techniques whereby customers can see themselves - either in a mirror or on a highly visible camera monitor - reduces theft more than cameras alone. The study I'm thinking about involved a long mirror running behind the meat cases in a grocery store and a bank where customers in line could view themselves on a very prominent monitor mounted on the wall behind the tellers.
The psychology, if I remember correctly, was that people who steal tend to "depersonalize" the event - taking themselves "out of the picture" mentally speaking, and thereby reducing their personal responsibility for the act. When they are forced to see themselves, they cannot engage in these mental games with themselves so easily.
If anyone knows of any references to this "I Can See Myself" phenomenon I'd be interested in them.
Thanks!
The psychology, if I remember correctly, was that people who steal tend to "depersonalize" the event - taking themselves "out of the picture" mentally speaking, and thereby reducing their personal responsibility for the act. When they are forced to see themselves, they cannot engage in these mental games with themselves so easily.
If anyone knows of any references to this "I Can See Myself" phenomenon I'd be interested in them.
Thanks!
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