bystander effect

docx

School

Grand Canyon University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

530

Subject

Psychology

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

2

Uploaded by DeanTree12220

Report
Define and describe diffusion of responsibility - Begin by defining diffusion of responsibility as a phenomenon where individuals are less likely to take action or feel a sense of responsibility in the presence of a large group of people. This is often because each person thinks someone else will intervene or that their own contribution is not needed. - Describe how this can influence helping behavior by providing an example, such as the case of the bystander effect, where people are less likely to help a victim when there are other witnesses present. Step 2/7 Step 2: Define and describe pluralistic ignorance - Define pluralistic ignorance as a psychological state where individuals mistakenly believe that their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are different from those of the group, even when everyone's behavior is actually the same. - Explain how this can influence helping behavior by discussing situations where individuals fail to act because they look to others for cues and mistakenly interpret the inaction of others as a sign that help is not needed. Step 3/7 Step 3: Define and describe victim effects - Define victim effects as the influence that the characteristics of a victim have on the likelihood of them receiving help. - Describe how factors such as the perceived similarity, attractiveness, or the victim's role in the situation can affect whether or not they are helped. For example, people are more likely to help someone they perceive as similar to themselves or someone who is seen as innocent or undeserving of their plight. Step 4/7 Step 4: Define and describe dispositional effects - Define dispositional effects as the influence of an individual's personality traits, attitudes, and past experiences on their helping behavior. - Discuss how traits like empathy, moral reasoning, and past experiences with helping can predispose someone to be more or less likely to help others in need. Step 5/7 Step 5: Define and describe neural mechanisms - Define neural mechanisms as the brain processes and structures that are involved in the decision-making process of whether or not to help someone. - Describe research findings that suggest certain areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and mirror neuron system, are activated during acts of helping and empathy. Explain how these neural responses can facilitate or inhibit helping behavior. Step 6/7 Step 6: Explain how social and cultural pressures can influence helping behavior - Discuss how societal norms, cultural values, and social roles can dictate when and how people help others. For example, in some cultures, there is a strong emphasis on community and collective well-being, which can increase the likelihood of helping behaviors. - Describe how social pressures, such as the desire to conform to group norms or to be seen positively by others, can also motivate individuals to engage in helping behaviors.
Answer Step 7: Conclusion - Summarize the main points discussed in the essay, emphasizing the complexity of factors that influence helping behavior. - Conclude by suggesting that understanding these factors can help in creating interventions or educational programs aimed at promoting prosocial behavior and helping in society.
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