Bystander effect

Definition

The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. This occurs due to diffusion of responsibility, where each bystander feels less compelled to take action because they assume someone else will intervene. The presence of others can lead to a decreased likelihood of prosocial behavior, connecting the concept to altruism, social influence, and the various factors that affect helping behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The bystander effect was first studied in depth after the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, where multiple witnesses did not intervene or call for help.
2. Research shows that the more bystanders present, the less likely any one person is to help, as they each assume someone else will take action.
3. Factors such as the perceived severity of the situation and the relationship between the bystanders and the victim can influence whether someone decides to help.
4. Training programs and awareness campaigns can reduce the bystander effect by encouraging individuals to recognize their responsibility and take action.
5. The bystander effect can be mitigated if a specific individual is singled out to take action, breaking the anonymity of the group.

Review Questions

• How does diffusion of responsibility contribute to the bystander effect in emergency situations?
  • Diffusion of responsibility plays a key role in the bystander effect because when multiple people witness an emergency, each individual feels less personal responsibility to intervene. This belief often leads to a situation where everyone assumes someone else will help, resulting in inaction. The more witnesses there are, the greater the diffusion of responsibility, which decreases the likelihood that any one person will step forward to assist.
• Discuss how pluralistic ignorance can influence bystanders' responses during an emergency.
  • Pluralistic ignorance occurs when bystanders look around and see others not reacting, leading them to believe that intervention is unnecessary or that others do not perceive a threat. This collective misinterpretation creates a cycle of inaction, as everyone waits for someone else to respond. In this way, pluralistic ignorance reinforces the bystander effect, making it crucial for individuals to understand that their own perceptions may not reflect the reality of the situation.
• Evaluate strategies that could be implemented to combat the bystander effect and promote prosocial behavior in group settings.
  • To combat the bystander effect and promote prosocial behavior, strategies such as training programs that emphasize personal responsibility and encourage individuals to recognize their role in emergencies can be effective. Making eye contact with potential helpers or directing requests for assistance toward specific individuals can also break down anonymity and prompt action. Additionally, raising awareness about the phenomenon through education can empower individuals to overcome hesitation and intervene when needed, ultimately fostering a culture of support and helping behavior.

Related terms

diffusion of responsibility: A psychological phenomenon where individuals feel less personal responsibility to act when others are present, often leading to inaction in emergency situations.

pluralistic ignorance: A situation where individuals in a group mistakenly believe that their own thoughts or feelings are different from those of the group, which can inhibit helping behavior.

social proof: A psychological principle suggesting that people look to the actions of others to determine their own behavior, especially in ambiguous situations.