Understanding Bystander Behavior and Diffusion of Responsibility

Hard Psychology Social Psychology

During an examination of prosocial behavior, researchers presented participants with a scenario where someone was in distress. In this controlled experiment, the researchers manipulated several factors, including the number of bystanders present and the clarity of the emergency situation. They found that participants were less likely to intervene in emergencies when there were more bystanders. This finding is central to understanding...

Such behaviors can be explained by various social psychological theories. The researchers hypothesized that this phenomenon could be partially attributed to the diffusion of responsibility, where individuals feel less compelled to act when others are present. This study highlights the interplay between social influences and individual action, prompting further inquiry into the motivations behind prosocial behavior.

Which of the following explanations aligns best with the observed reluctance to help when bystanders are present?

Individuals may lack appropriate social cues that signal a need for intervention.

The presence of bystanders increases social anxiety, reducing the likelihood of intervention.

Participants assume others will take action, leading to inaction on their part.

People conform to the apparent indifference of other bystanders, leading to a collective apathy.

Hint

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