Which of the following actions is most likely an example of diffusion of responsibility in a social psychology context?

• A. A person in a large group witnesses someone in need of help but assumes someone else will intervene, so they do nothing.
• B. A person takes charge and organizes a group to help someone in need.
• C. A person feels personally responsible and immediately helps someone in distress, regardless of group size.
• D. A person ignores someone in need because they do not notice the situation.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of diffusion of responsibility, which occurs when individuals in a group are less likely to take action because they believe others will do so instead.
2. Step 2: Analyze each option to see if it involves a person assuming others will intervene, leading to inaction.
3. Step 3: Identify that the option where a person in a large group witnesses someone in need but assumes someone else will help fits the definition of diffusion of responsibility.
4. Step 4: Recognize that taking charge or feeling personally responsible contradicts diffusion of responsibility, as these involve active intervention.
5. Step 5: Note that ignoring someone because they do not notice the situation is not diffusion of responsibility but rather a lack of awareness.