Bystander Effect

In this assignment I am going to compare and contrast two approaches to investigate the ‘bystander effect’. The two approaches that I am going to be using are the experimental method and the disclose analysis, I will also include claims, concepts and evidence to support the social inquiry.

The term ‘Bystander effect’ also known as ‘bystander apathy’ is the social psychological occurrence, that refers to scenarios where individuals do not provide assistance during a crisis or an emergency to the victim in the presence of bystanders. Studies show that there is an opposite correlation between the number of bystanders and the probability of aid. This suggests that there is a reduction of help the more bystanders that are present (Funder 1983). …show more content…
The model of helping is to determine the process bystanders go through before acting upon an emergency. The first stage is bystanders identify the event or emergency; Alternatively, may not even notice the incident due to being in a hurry or lack of care. The next stage is bystanders then realizing the emergency or assume that as others are not acting, it is not an emergency. The next stage bystanders assume responsibility or assume that others will do this. Bystanders then decide what kind of help to give and assess the situation. Lastly the bystander gives aid to the victim. (Wallach 1964). Throughout the experimental method individuals do not tend to go through the model of helping, but alternatively either ignore or act and report the …show more content…
Both Psychologists studied the incident involving Kitty Genovese’s. Kitty Genovese was unpleasantly stabbed to death in front of her apartment in Kew Gardens, New York City. According to witnesses they heard Kitty crying for help. Unfortunately, no one called emergency services or went to see if she was safe until around thirty minutes after the attack had taken place (Merrens 1973). Darley and Latane decided conducted the experiment with university students. During the experiment one participant of the group performed having an epileptic seizure. The experiment showed that on a one to one basis, all of the participants helped with an average response of less than a minute. The next experiment consisted of a group of three participants, 85% of the students reacted with in four minutes. With groups of five participants the reaction was averaged over three minutes with only 60% reporting the emergency (Darley & Latane 1969). This shows that the more individuals present in an emergency situation, the less action is taken to help out an individual in need. Diffusion of responsibility theory is used in the explanation of the bystander effect, wherein an increased presence of onlookers leads to reduced probability of a victim receiving help during emergency situations (Thornberg

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