Prosocial behaviour Flashcards
define prosocial behaviour
An action by an individual is intended to benefit another individual or set of individuals.
what is the functional approach for helping also known as
egoism
outline the functional approach as motivation for helping
People’s actions are motivated by some degree of self-interest; egotistic motivations for helping
altruistic approach as motivation for helping
Helping is the result of a desire to help another person purely for the other person’s benefit, regardless of benefit to self
what does kin selection refer to
Natural selection led to greater tendencies to help close kin rather than little genetic relationship
what about human nature tends to lead to prosocial behaviour
tendency for sociability and close attachment
what is reciprocal helping
Reciprocity patterns can provide adaptive advantages to individuals and groups
how do most people learn to be good
Parenting and observation - children taught to learn at an early age
media - emotional responses to those in need
how is operant conditioning related to learning prosocial behaviour
receiving praise results in helping again
what is social exchange theory
People help others when the benefits outweigh the costs
what is social exchange theory determined by
quick mental calculations
when is social exchange theory usually activated
when distress is seen
what may be hinderances to choosing to help
Time pressure
Tendency to prioritise own wellbeing
Assume helping others often takes more effort
how does empathy play a role in prosocial behaviour
-likelihood of helping depends on abilities to empathise
-helps understanding of emotions of others
what does low empathy require
high benefits for helping
what does high empathy require
lower benefits for helping
what are mirror neurons
Cells in brain that activate to mimic other’s behaviours
linked to empathy
what do mirror neurons help us to do
learn and understand new behaviours
how does prejudice play a role in prosocial behaviour
people more likely to help ingroup than outgroup
real life example of prejudice playing a role in prosocial behaviour
Bias against people based on weight or race can effect quality of care in a healthcare setting
what is known as the empathy gap
people underestimate the physical pain and social rejection of others
how is the empathy gap closed
-experiencing the pain yourself
-focusing on the suffering of an individual when mass tragedy occurs
how do causal attributions affect prosocial behaviour
Belief about whether a person is responsible for their misfortune affects helping
how does guilt affect prosocial behaviour
assigns blame or highlights own privilege
