The bystander effect is complicated -- here's why | Ken Brown | TEDxUIowa

Summary

The script delves into the bystander effect, a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help in a crowd. Originating from the 1964 Kitty Genovese murder, it's often misconstrued as people's indifference in cities. Studies by Darley and Latané showed that when people believe they're alone, they're more likely to help. However, recent research indicates that when one person acts, others follow, suggesting the effect is more about uncertainty than diffusion of responsibility. The script concludes with advice on how to incite action in crowds and the power of small groups to catalyze change.

Takeaways

• 👥 The bystander effect suggests that individuals are less likely to help in an emergency situation when there are more people present.
• 🏙️ The concept of the bystander effect originated from the tragic murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964, where it was initially reported that 38 people did not intervene.
• 🔍 Research by John Darley and Bibb Latané showed that when subjects believed they were alone, they were more likely to help someone in distress compared to when they thought others were present.
• ⏱️ The time it takes to help increases with the perceived number of bystanders, suggesting a diffusion of responsibility.
• 🤔 The original story of the Kitty Genovese murder was later found to be inaccurate, with some people actually having called the police or intervened.
• 🧐 The presence of passive bystanders can lead to the bystander effect, but if one person takes action, it can encourage others to help, reversing the effect.
• 🔑 The key to overcoming the bystander effect is reducing uncertainty by having at least one person take the initiative to help.
• 📢 If you need help in a crowd, it's more effective to direct a plea for help to a specific individual rather than calling out to everyone.
• 🌟 Small groups of committed individuals can act as catalysts for change, inspiring others to join and amplify their impact.
• 💡 The bystander effect teaches us that taking action, even if it's just one person stepping up, can lead to a ripple effect of others following suit.

Q & A

What is the bystander effect?

The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. The presence of others can cause diffusion of responsibility, leading to inaction.

What historical event is often cited as an example of the bystander effect?

The murder of Kitty Genovese in Queens, New York, on March 13th, 1964, is often cited as an example of the bystander effect. It was reported that 38 people witnessed the attack but did not call the police.

What did John Darley and Bibb Latané's study in 1968 involve?

Darley and Latané's study involved subjects who were made to feel alone or in groups while listening to someone describing stroke symptoms and calling for help. The study aimed to measure the likelihood of the subjects offering help based on their perceived isolation or group presence.

What were the results of Darley and Latané's study regarding helping behavior?

The study found that over 80% of individuals helped when they felt alone, over 60% helped when they thought two others were present, and less than half helped when they believed five others were present. The time to help also increased with the perceived number of bystanders.

What is the role of uncertainty in the bystander effect?

Uncertainty plays a significant role in the bystander effect. When no one helps, people may wonder if it's the right thing to do, leading to inaction. However, when one person helps, it reduces uncertainty, and others are more likely to join in helping.

How does the presence of an active bystander change the effect?

When one person is instructed to be active and help, the bystander effect is reversed, leading to a 'helper effect' where people are more likely to help when more people are present.

What advice does Bob Cialdini give for getting help in a crowd?

Bob Cialdini advises that when you need help in a crowd, your goal should be to get one person to help, as others are likely to follow. This can be achieved by specifically singling out and calling for help from one individual.

How does the bystander effect relate to social movements and change?

The bystander effect illustrates that small groups of committed individuals can act as catalysts for change, inspiring others to join and participate. This concept is applicable to social movements where a few active participants can lead to broader engagement.

What did the review of the Kitty Genovese case by Rachel Manning and her colleagues reveal?

The review of the Kitty Genovese case revealed that contrary to the initial reports, there were people who did call the police and scream from their windows, indicating that the story was not as indicative of the bystander effect as previously thought.

What is the significance of Margaret Mead's quote in the context of the bystander effect?

Margaret Mead's quote emphasizes the power of a small group of committed individuals to change the world. In the context of the bystander effect, it suggests that a small group's actions can inspire others to follow, highlighting the potential for positive change.

How can the understanding of the bystander effect be applied to everyday life?

Understanding the bystander effect can help individuals recognize the importance of taking initiative in a crowd or group setting. It encourages proactive behavior and the belief that one's actions can inspire others to join in, whether it's offering help or initiating a cause.