Prosocial Behaviour Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and theories related to prosocial behaviour, helping behaviours, and situational influences discussed in the lecture.

Prosocial Behaviour

Any acts defined by society as beneficial to others, either egoistic or altruistic.

Altruism

Behaviour to benefit others without expectation of external rewards, motivated by empathy.

Reciprocity Norm

The social norm that suggests we should help those who help us.

Social Responsibility Norm

The belief that we should help those in need regardless of future exchanges.

Bystander Effect

Phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help in an emergency when others are present.

Diffusion of Responsibility

The tendency for individuals to feel less personal responsibility to act when other witnesses are present.

Pluralistic Ignorance

A situation where individuals mistakenly believe their thoughts and feelings are different from those of others.

Inclusive Fitness Theory

Suggests we have evolved to favor our genetic relatives to enhance the survival of our genes.

Empathy-Altruism Theory

Suggests that individuals help others due to feelings of empathy, regardless of self-interest.

Arousal: Cost-Reward Model

A framework that suggests decisions to help are based on cognitive and physiological processes.