BYSTANDER EFFECT

Bystander Effect

The tendency for individuals to be less likely to help someone in distress when other bystanders are present.

Diffusion of Responsibility

A phenomenon where individuals feel less personal responsibility to help when multiple bystanders are present.

Kitty Genovese

A murder case that sparked interest in the bystander effect due to numerous witnesses not helping.

Darley and Latané (1968)

Researchers who studied the bystander effect and identified diffusion of responsibility.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, influencing helping behavior.

Prosocial Model

An individual whose behavior encourages others to also help in an emergency.

Social Exclusion

A state that can reduce empathy and helping behavior due to a feeling of disconnect from others.

Anonymity

A state where individuals feel less accountable for their actions, possibly reducing helping behavior.

Economic Value of Time

The perception that volunteering time represents a financial loss, which can reduce willingness to help.

Five-Step Decision-Making Process

A model proposed by Latané and Darley detailing the steps involved in deciding whether to help.

Noticing the Event

The first step in the helping process, where bystanders must recognize something unusual is happening.

Interpreting the Event as an Emergency

The second step in the helping process, where bystanders identify a situation as requiring immediate action.

Assuming Responsibility

The third step in the helping process, where bystanders feel a personal obligation to help.

Possessing Necessary Skills

The fourth step in the helping process, where individuals believe they have the ability to provide effective assistance.

Apathy

A lack of interest which can be a perceived reason for the bystander effect, though situational factors play a larger role.

Situational Factors

Elements such as group presence, ambiguity, or fear of consequence that influence helping behavior.

Helping Behavior

Actions taken to assist someone in distress, significantly influenced by situational context.

Early Intervention

The importance of acting promptly in response to emergencies to overcome the bystander effect.

First Aid Training

Providing education on basic emergency response skills to improve helping behavior.

Compassionate Society

A community characterized by individuals who are willing to help each other, overcoming the bystander effect.