Prosocial Behaviour

Question 1

define prosocial behaviour & name the theorist

Answer 1

acts that are valued by society, have positive consequences, contribute to the well being of another person, voluntary, intended to benefit others - Hogg & Vaughan 2018

Question 2

what are some concepts with this definition that can be questioned?

Answer 2

prosocial behaviour is context dependent: depends on who is in power
do the positive consequences have to last forever?
can the positive consequences be for anyone?
what about the well being of an animal?
does it not count as prosocial behaviour if you are paid for it? NHS workers?

Question 3

what are the two reasons humans do a behaviour?

Answer 3

1-automatic responses (inherited)

2-deliberate goal pursuit (considering costs and benefits)

Question 4

describe the bystander effect

Answer 4

hogg and vaughan 2018

a lone bystander is more likely to help than any of several bystanders

Question 5

why do we care about others’ welfare?

Answer 5

• interpersonal empathy
• collective identity, solidarity, community
• duty
• desired self image

Question 6

what are the benefits and costs of helping another?

Answer 6

benefits: rewards, self-esteem protection or ego boost, public esteem boost
costs: miss out on opportunities, making things worse, being accused, being exploited

Question 7

what are the benefits and costs of not helping another?

Answer 7

benefits: self-protection from harm, not vulnerable to exploitation, resources saved
costs: feeling guilty, being blamed and punished