In a series of psychological studies, researchers aimed to understand the mechanisms behind altruistic behavior versus aggressive behavior in different social contexts. They noted that while altruism is often triggered by the motivation to help others, aggression can stem from both internal dispositions and external provocation.
Consider the following scenario: A person witnesses a stranger fall in a public place. They must decide whether to assist the individual or ignore the situation. Which of the following factors is most likely to influence their decision to act pro-socially rather than aggressively?