Final answer:
The change in behavior of normally law-abiding individuals who resort to vandalism and looting as part of a mob is best explained through deindividualization, where anonymity within a group leads to a sense of reduced personal accountability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals who are normally law-abiding may turn to vandalism and looting when they become part of a mob. This change in behavior is best understood in terms of deindividualization. Deindividualization refers to the phenomenon where individuals within a group feel a sense of anonymity and decreased accountability, which can lead to behavior that is uncharacteristic of their normal conduct. In the context of a mob, individuals may feel less responsible for their actions due to the collective nature of the group, as their identity is submerged within the group identity.