The Bystander Effect

Question 1

Why is bystander apathy/the bystander effect?

Answer 1

When the presence of others discourages one from intervening in an emergency situation

Question 2

What situational factors affect bystander intervention?

Answer 2

1. Diffusion of responsibility
2. Noticing the event
3. Pluralistic ignorance
4. Cost of helping

Question 3

What is diffusion of responsibility? How does it affect bystander intervention?

Answer 3

1. Feeling less responsible when there are others around to potentially help
2. The larger the crowd, the less inclined we feel to help

Question 4

How does noticing the event affect bystander intervention?

Answer 4

Tend to pay less attention when in groups than alone, so less likely to notice an emergency

Question 5

What is pluralistic ignorance? How does it affect bystander intervention?

Answer 5

1. Interpreting and reacting based on what others are doing

2. Others helping = likely to help too b/c more likely to see it as an emergency

Question 6

What is the cost of helping? How does it affect bystander intervention?

Answer 6

1. Believing a situation has too high of a cost and choosing not to help
2. If cost of NOT helping is too great = more likely to help b/c the cost for the victim is greater

Question 7

What personal factors affect bystander intervention?

Answer 7

1. Competence
2. Mood
3. Similarity

Question 8

How does competence affect bystander intervention?>

Answer 8

1. Decision to help is dependent on whether we feel competent enough
2. If not = more likely to offer indirect intervention

Question 9

How does mood affect bystander intervention?

Answer 9

1. Decision to help is dependent on mood

2. Good mood = more likely to help and intervene b/c we are more observant of our surroundings

Question 10

How does similarity affect bystander intervention?

Answer 10

Can identify with victim = more likely to intervene b/c we see ourselves as similar