Latané & Darley (1969) — Bystander intervention

What was the aim of Latané and Darley (1969)?

To investigate how the presence of others affects helping behaviour

What phenomenon did they investigate?

The bystander effect

What type of research was conducted?

A series of experiments

What was varied in key experiments?

The number of people believed to be present

What was measured?

Whether people helped or reported an emergency and how quickly

What happened when more bystanders were present?

Helping was often slower or less likely

What was found in the seizure experiment?

Participants were slower to report it when they believed others were also present

What happened when participants thought they were alone?

They generally responded faster

Did perceived danger fully explain the effect?

No

What is social inhibition of helping?

Reduced or delayed helping when other people are present

What did the researchers suggest affects helping?

Situational factors and the decisions people make during emergencies

What was the main conclusion?

The presence of other people can reduce or delay helping