Piliavin (1969) - Theories on which the study is based

Question 1

What is diffusion of responsibility?

Answer 1

Responsibility is spread out amongst all the people present in a particular situation - less inclined to help - feel less personally responsible

Question 2

What is bystander apathy?

Answer 2

Bystander thinks someone else will help/do what’s necessary - don’t offer assistance

Question 3

What increases the likelihood of bystander apathy and diffusion of responsibility occurring?

Answer 3

The more people present in the situation the higher the likelihood of these occurring