Podcast: Piliavin et al. (1969) Subway Samaritan | OCR A-Level Psychology (H567)

Background of the Study

Kitty Genovese Incident

In 1964, Kitty Genovese was brutally attacked and murdered outside her apartment in Kew Gardens, New York City. This tragic incident became a focal point for studies on social psychology and the nature of human behavior during crises. Reports from the time suggested that up to 38 witnesses either heard or observed the attack but failed to intervene or call the police. This phenomenon raised questions about social responsibility and moral obligation, igniting widespread media attention and prompting public outcry about the bystander effect.

Psychological Investigations Post-Incident

Following the Genovese incident, psychologists, notably Bibb Latané and John Darley, aimed to understand the psychological mechanisms behind bystander inaction in emergency situations. Their research shed light on how social dynamics influence individual actions, revealing that the presence of other witnesses can significantly alter one’s likelihood to help.

Key Concepts

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Diffusion of Responsibility

Diffusion of responsibility is a critical concept derived from the investigation of bystander behavior. It describes how individuals in a group may feel a decreased sense of personal accountability to act during an emergency due to the presence of other people. In scenarios where multiple witnesses are present, each individual may assume that someone else will take action, resulting in a collective failure to respond—this phenomenon has been thoroughly documented in various studies following the Genovese case.

Motivation to Help

In addition to diffusion of responsibility, researchers explored several other factors that influence a bystander's decision to intervene, including perceived danger of the situation, social norms about helping behavior, cultural influences, and an individual's prior familiarity with the circumstances. Personal characteristics, such as empathy, mood, and past experiences, also play a significant role in determining whether an individual will step forward to assist someone in distress.

Research Implications

The findings from studies related to the Kitty Genovese incident have profound implications for understanding human behavior in emergencies. They aim to uncover the psychological mechanisms that either inhibit or encourage helping behavior in crisis situations. This research has led to the development of strategies intended to improve training for bystanders to enhance their willingness to help, thus potentially saving lives in future emergency situations.