Pilliavin et al (1969) Good Samaritanism

Question 1

Background to the study

Answer 1

After the Kitty Genovese Murder, researchers questioned why, despite her cries for help, onlookers failed to intervene.

Question 2

Aim of the study

Answer 2

To investigate helping behaviour in a natural environment and to understand the conditions in which people are more likely to help

Question 3

Procedure of the study

Answer 3

In a covert observation 4 groups of 4 students from Columbia University were used to run trials to observe what would happen if a victim collapsed on the train. Each group was made of 2 girls and boys. One male was the victim whereas the other was a model passenger helping the victim and the 2 girls observed. The victim collapsed on the floor around the central handrail, near the model passenger. This became known as the critical area. Over 103 trials, the victim either appeared drunk or was holding a cane; and was either white or black.

Question 4

Results of the study

Answer 4

In 62/65 trials where victim was holding a cane, they were helped before the model passenger stepped in. However, this was only 19/38 with the seemingly drunk victim. In 81/103 trials the victim was helped before the model passenger stepped in and in 60% of trials, more than 1 passenger came. 90% of first helpers were male.64% of the first people to help was white. 68% of white helpers came to the aid of white victims compared to 50% for black victims. Shows a tendency for same race helping.

Question 5

Conclusion of the study

Answer 5

People are more likely to help someone perceived as ill compared to drunk (cost of helping). Men are more likely to help than women (cost of helping). There is a small tendency for same race helping. Larger groups are more likely to help than smaller groups

Question 6

Strengths of the study

Answer 6

The study was done in a natural environment, so it is ecologically valid as passengers acted naturally

As participants were not aware, they could not show demand characteristics which would have ruined the study

Question 7

Weaknesses of the study

Answer 7

The passengers were unaware and that they were a part of the experiment, so they didn’t give consent; unethical

The situation could have caused distress to the passenger as it was an upsetting situation; unethical