the bystander effect

define the bystander effect

the bystander effect states the more people who are present during an emergency, the less likely it is that each individual present will attempt to help

what happens if there are fewer people around observing the incident?

if there are fewer people around observing the incident, helping behaviour is more likely

what happens if there are more people around observing the incident?

if more people are around observing the incident, helping behaviour is less likely

name the 5 contributing factors to the bystander effect

1. diffusion of responsibility

2. audience inhibition

3. social influence

4. proximity to the victim

5. nature of the bystander

define diffusion of responsibility

the presence of others making an individual feel less responsible for acting, believing it is others’ responsibility

define audience inhibition

the presence of others makes the bystander self-conscious or fearful of error resulting in less helping behaviour

define social influence

if others appear unconcerned, the bystander will adopt that attitude and not feel help is necessary. Opposite if others are concerned.

define proximity to the victim

the greater the distance between the victim and bystander, the less responsible the bystander feels

define nature of the bystander

bystanders are more likely to show prosocial behaviour and help or intervene if they have high empathy, are in a good mood, feel competent, and have engaged in prosocial behaviour in the past

what is the kitty genovese (1964) case?

Genovese was repeatedly stabbed and murdered by a knife wielding man in New York street around 3am while returning home from work

Who were the bystanders in the kitty genovese case?

Kitty’s scream for help woke 38 of her neighbours - many switched on their lights and watched for up to 35 minutes

what was the result of the kitty genovese case?

only once called the police - no one came to her aid

talk about the meta analysis of the bystander research

• meta analysis of research on bystander effect shows that groups are less likely to hep someone in trouble than a lone individual

• one 2010 meta analysis on the bystander found that while groups are a little slower to help than individuals, this difference tends to disappear when it’s clear there’s a real emergency, and also when someone must physically intervene to help