Research on the bystander effect has produced a great number of studies showing that the presence of other people in a critical situation reduces the likelihood that an individual will help. Two major factors that contribute to the bystander effect involve diffusion of responsibility and the need to behave in correct and socially acceptable ways. When other onlookers fail to react, individuals often take this as a signal that a response is not appropriate or not needed. Other research has found that bystanders are less likely to intervene if the situation is ambiguous. This study explores both features as participants find themselves in a potentially critical situation either alone or in groups of three, containing either one or two unresponsive confederates. .
Social Influence and the Bystander Effect in Emergencies.
Considerable research has examined reasons behind why people help or fail to help others in need. The bystander effect is an example of a social phenomenon in which the presence of other people reduces helping behavior. In an emergency situation, people are unsure of exactly what to do or how to help. This uncertainty is what frequently causes people to either 'freeze' or panic in an emergency (Shotland & Houston, 1979). Consequently, they often hope others will be the ones to respond, so they do not have to get involved. The murder of a young woman named Kitty Genovese gained national attention when reports surfaced that 38 neighbors witnessed her attack and murder, but failed to intervene (Darley & Latané, 1968). The case inspired researchers to focus in on the bystander effect and learn more about how and why people may not choose to help in emergency situations. .
The bystander effect involves several different components including social influence, diffusion of responsibility, and conformity. In a particularly fascinating study by Bibb Latané and John Darley (1968), participants found themselves in a smoke-filling room either alone or with two other individuals.
