CH 8 Understanding Altruism and Helping Behavior Flashcards
What is Altruism?
Altruism is helping others without expecting anything in return. It’s the opposite of selfishness.
✔ Example: Helping a stranger pick up their dropped groceries without expecting a thank you or reward.
Why Do People Help?
People help for different reasons:
Evolutionary Perspective – Helping helps our species survive.
We are more likely to help family (kin selection) because it keeps our genes alive.
Example: Parents sacrificing for their children.
Social Exchange Theory – Helping is a trade-off.
We help if the benefits outweigh the costs.
Example: You help a friend move because they might help you later.
Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis – True altruism exists.
We help because we feel empathy for someone’s pain.
Example: You donate to charity because you feel sad for the people affected.
When Do People Help?
Several factors influence when someone will help:
The Bystander Effect – More people = Less likely to help.
If there are many people around, everyone assumes someone else will help.
Example: A person collapses in a crowded mall, but no one helps because they expect someone else to.
Noticing the Emergency – We need to first realize something is wrong.
If we are distracted or unsure, we might not notice the need for help.
Example: You might walk past someone on the ground, thinking they are just resting.
Interpreting the Situation – Is it really an emergency?
Example: If a couple is arguing loudly, people may hesitate to intervene, thinking it’s just a normal disagreement.
Assuming Responsibility – If no one takes charge, no one helps.
Example: If a teacher collapses, students might wait for each other to act instead of helping immediately.
Knowing How to Help – If we don’t know what to do, we won’t act.
Example: If someone is choking, but we don’t know CPR, we might freeze instead of helping.
Feeling Confident to Help – If we feel capable, we are more likely to assist.
Example: A trained lifeguard will rush to help someone drowning, while an untrained person might hesitate.
Who is More Likely to Help?
Some people are naturally more helpful based on:
✔ Personality – Some people are more compassionate and helpful.
✔ Gender – Men are more likely to help in heroic situations (rescuing someone), while women help more in long-term support (caring for others).
✔ Culture – Collectivist cultures (e.g., Japan) help their in-group more than individualist cultures (e.g., USA), which emphasize personal choice.
How Can We Increase Helping Behavior?
To encourage people to help:
✅ Reduce the Bystander Effect – Make individuals feel responsible.
✅ Teach Empathy – When people feel for others, they help more.
✅ Lead by Example – If you help, others are more likely to follow.
✅ Make Helping Easy – If people know exactly what to do, they are more likely to assist.
