What describes the bystander effect?

• A. Individuals often assist victims regardless of the number of witnesses
• B. Individuals are more likely to help when alone compared to when in a group
• C. The phenomenon where individuals help others when it benefits them
• D. The strong inclination to ignore a victim in the presence of others

Answer: (B)

The bystander effect refers to the social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. This occurs because the responsibility to act is diffused among the witnesses; each person might assume that someone else will take action, leading to a paralysis of inaction.

The correct answer highlights that individuals are more likely to help when they are alone, as they do not perceive the presence of others to share the responsibility. When alone, an individual feels a greater sense of responsibility to intervene and help, whereas in a crowd, their sense of obligation diminishes.

This phenomenon can be illustrated through various studies, such as the famous 1964 case of Kitty Genovese, where multiple witnesses failed to intervene during her attack. Understanding the bystander effect helps in appreciating how social context influences human behavior, particularly in emergencies.