What did Mr. Ross do to manipulate student’s emotions?

Mr. Ross manipulates his students into embracing The Wave by emphasizing values that the students genuinely need help with––like organization and equality. The Wave appeals to students because it seems to offer a fast and easy way for them to solve problems in their personal lives and in the community. However, Mr. Ross also acknowledges that the movement is also successful because the students do not know they are participating in an experiment––something he admits is unethical to Principal Owen.

Membership in The Wave allows students like Robert to belong, it also provides support for students like George Snyder, whose classmates stand up for him and save him from embarrassment.