AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -bystander effect, the inhibiting influence of the presence of others on a person’s willingness to help someone in need . Research has shown that, even in an emergency, a bystander is less likely to extend help when he or she is in the real or imagined presence of others than when he or she is alone.

Detailed explanation-2: -The bystander effect, or bystander apathy, is a social psychological theory that states that individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim in presence of other people.

Detailed explanation-3: -The perceived danger of intervening in a critical situation has the greatest influence in reducing the Bystander Effect. Somewhat counter-intuitively, the more dangerous it is to step in, the more likely individuals are to do so.

Detailed explanation-4: -Diffusion of responsibility: “The concept of ‘diffusion of responsibility’ has been used…to explain why it is that individuals might be less likely to offer assistance to intervene to prevent a crime in a group setting.

Detailed explanation-5: -Explanations for the Bystander Effect First, the presence of other people creates a diffusion of responsibility. Because there are other observers, individuals do not feel as much pressure to take action. The responsibility to act is thought to be shared among all of those present.