Helping Behavior and Influences
Putting Common Sense to the Test
In emergencies, having three people present increases the likelihood of receiving help compared to only having one person present.
Answer: False. This statement is elaborated with psychological principles.
Bystander Effect
The tragic story of Kitty Genovese is used as a case study to highlight the bystander effect.
Questions raised:
Why did no one help Kitty Genovese?
Are social psychological processes, as suggested by Latané & Darley, at play?
Bystander Effect Definition: The presence of others inhibits helping behavior.
Five Steps to Helping in an Emergency
A visual representation illustrating the sequence of actions required to assist in emergencies, such as:
Notice the event.
Interpret it as an emergency.
Assume responsibility.
Know how to help.
Provide help.
Time Pressure in Helping Situations
Time pressures can conflict with one’s good intentions to help others in need.
Darley & Batson's (1973) Good Samaritan Study:
y were on schedule, ahead of schedule, or behind schedule (Independent Variable 2: Timing).
The situation involved a confederate slumped at a doorway, groaning, acting as if in distress. Participants were seminary students tasked with delivering a talk.
Topics varied: 1) The Good Samaritan, and 2) Jobs of seminary students (Independent Variable 1: Topic).
Timing: Participants informed the
Dependent Variable: Measure of whether participants helped.
Results: The study illustrated that those in a rush were less likely to stop and help, emphasizing how time constraints impact altruistic behavior.
Location and Culture in Helping Behavior
Discussion on whether individuals are less likely to receive help in big cities compared to small towns.
Findings indicate:
Greater population density correlates with reduced helping behavior.
Helping in the U.S.A.
Reference to a study from "Helpfulness Index: How U.S. Cities Rank," The Boston Globe (July 7, 1994), showing variations in helping behaviors nationwide.
Influence of Mood on Helping Behavior
Statement: People are much more likely to help someone when in a good mood.
Answer: True.
Reasons Good Moods Lead to Helping
Factors contributing to increased altruistic behavior when in a good mood:
Desire to maintain one’s good mood.
Positive expectations about helping others.
Engaging in positive thoughts resulting from a good mood.
Limitations of Good Moods Leading to Helping
Reasons why good mood might not lead to assistance:
High costs associated with helping can deter altruistic behavior.
Positive thoughts about engaging in other pleasurable social activities can conflict with the impulse to help.
Helping may interfere with maintaining a good mood.
Bad Moods and Helping Behavior
Statement: People are much less likely to help someone when they are in a bad mood.
Answer: False. Analysis to follow.
When Bad Moods Encourage Helping
Situations when negative moods can prompt people to help others:
When individuals take responsibility for their bad mood (e.g., feeling guilty).
When the focus is directed towards others, and the perceived costs of helping are low.
Negative State Relief Model: Theory that suggests people help to alleviate their own feelings of sadness and negative emotions.
When Bad Moods Discourage Helping
Conditions under which negative moods reduce altruistic behavior:
When individuals blame external factors for their mood.
When individuals become very self-focused and absorbed in personal distress.
When personal values are invoked, leading to thoughts that do not promote helping behaviors.
Social Norms Influencing Helping Behavior
Norm of Reciprocity: The expectation that one should return assistance when they receive help.
Norm of Social Responsibility: The societal obligation to help those in need.
Concerns about Justice or Fairness: Helping those deemed deserving of assistance often involves moral reasoning about who deserves help.
Example often discussed: Treatment of the homeless population.
Norm of Self-Interest: Helping behaviors influenced by personal gain or positive outcomes.