The Bystander Effect (Examples + Experiments)

Summary

This video discusses the bystander effect, a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to take action in emergencies when in a group. It explores its origins, starting with the infamous 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, and highlights how research by psychologists Darley and Latané demonstrated the diffusion of responsibility in group settings. The video also references modern examples of bystander apathy, like the 2019 case of a teen being stabbed while onlookers filmed. Viewers are encouraged to act responsibly in group situations, whether during emergencies or in everyday scenarios like group projects.

Takeaways

• 📚 Group projects can be frustrating as often only one person ends up doing most of the work.
• 👥 The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon where people are less likely to take action when they are in a group.
• 🏙️ The bystander effect can occur in everyday situations, cities, and even during crimes.
• 📖 The concept became widely discussed after the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, where many witnesses failed to help.
• ❓ Psychologists suggest that the diffusion of responsibility explains the bystander effect, as people assume someone else will take action.
• 🔬 In a 1960s study by Darley and Latané, it was found that people were less likely to report an emergency (like smoke filling a room) when others were present.
• ⚖️ The number of people present directly impacts how likely someone is to intervene; more people result in fewer actions taken.
• 📰 Although the original New York Times headline about Kitty Genovese’s murder was exaggerated, the bystander effect is still a real concern.
• 📱 Modern examples of the bystander effect include incidents like the 2019 murder of Cassine Morris, where witnesses filmed the crime but did not intervene.
• 🛑 Understanding the bystander effect can encourage people to take action in group situations, whether in emergencies or everyday scenarios like group projects.

Q & A

What is the bystander effect?

The bystander effect is the idea that people are less likely to intervene or take action in an emergency when they are surrounded by others. The presence of a crowd reduces individual responsibility and makes people less likely to help.

What is an example of the bystander effect mentioned in the script?

The script mentions the murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964 as a famous example. It was reported that 37 people witnessed her murder but did not intervene, which shocked the world.

How does diffusion of responsibility explain the bystander effect?

Diffusion of responsibility occurs when individuals in a group feel that the responsibility to act is shared among everyone, which decreases their personal sense of obligation to help or intervene.

What experiment did John Darley and Bibb Latané conduct to study the bystander effect?

Darley and Latané conducted an experiment where subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire in a room that was later filled with smoke. The experiment tested the likelihood of subjects reporting the smoke, depending on whether they were alone or with others who ignored the smoke.

What were the results of the Darley and Latané smoke experiment?

75% of participants who were alone reported the smoke, while only 38% of those with three other people reported it. In groups where others acknowledged the smoke but did nothing, only 10% of participants reported the problem.

What misconception about the Kitty Genovese case was later corrected?

It was later revealed that while 38 people gave statements to the police, there were not 37 eyewitnesses to the murder, and multiple calls to the police were made during the incident.

What is attribution theory in relation to the bystander effect?

Attribution theory studies how people explain causes and effects. In the context of the bystander effect, it refers to how individuals may attribute the responsibility to act to someone else in the group.

Why do people sometimes fail to intervene in emergency situations, according to the script?

People may fail to intervene due to the diffusion of responsibility, brain development, cultural norms, or other factors that reduce their motivation to take action when others are present.

How can knowledge of the bystander effect help people make better decisions?

By understanding the bystander effect and diffusion of responsibility, individuals can become more aware of their inaction in group situations and consciously choose to take responsibility and intervene when needed.

What modern example of the bystander effect is mentioned in the script?

The script references the 2019 death of 16-year-old Khaseen Morris, who was stabbed in a fight while dozens of people witnessed the event, filmed it, and posted it on social media without intervening.