Bystander effect

Model of bystander helping in emergencies (latane & darley 1970)

proposed that there are 5 steps to get through in order to actually help in an emergency situation

• 5 reasons people might not help

Step 1: notice something is happening

obstacles

distraction: if you’re busy or preoccupied, you wont notice whats happening around you

self-concerns: focus on an important goal reduces your attention for non-goal related stimuli

good samaritan study

good samaritan study

IV: running late vs. on time vs. ahead of schedule

DV: helpfulness score when passing an actor slumped in a doorway in distress

step 2: interpret event as emergency

obstacles

-ambiguity: emergencies aren’t always clear, could be embarrassing in front of others if wrong

-perceiving a relationship between attacker and victim affects interpretations

-pluralistic ignorance: looking to others for cues on how to behave, they also look at you, creates collective misinterpretation about severity of an event

smoky room study: seeing others remain passive led participants to decide smoke wasnt dangerous

smoky room study

Completed surveys in a room filling with smoke

-DV: who reported smoke to researchers

step 3: take responsibility for providing help

Obstacles:

diffusion of responsibility

“seizure in another booth” study

Discussion with other participants in a group of 2, 3, or 6.
▪ One participant declares they are having a seizure
▪ DV: how likely were people to help (and after how long)?

the more people present the longer it took for people to help

step 4: decide how to help

obstacles

lack of competence

step 5: provide help

-audience inhibition: people don’t wanna look like a fool in front of others if their offer of help is rejected

-costs exceed rewards: legal liability? get injured in process? make situation worse?