Group Behavior: Videos & Practice Problems

The bystander effect describes how individuals are less likely to help in emergencies when others are present, due to diffusion of responsibility. This phenomenon is less likely in clear emergencies or when individuals possess expertise. Deindividuation, a loss of self-awareness in groups, can lead to both antisocial behaviors, like mob violence, and prosocial behaviors, such as increased friendliness. Understanding these concepts is crucial for recognizing how group dynamics influence individual actions in various social contexts.

How Groups Influence Behavior

The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon that describes how individuals are less likely to offer help in an emergency when other people are present. This concept gained attention following the tragic murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964, where it was reported that numerous bystanders witnessed the attack but did not intervene. Although later investigations revealed that many neighbors did attempt to help, the initial sensationalized reporting sparked significant interest in understanding group behavior and its influence on individual actions.

At the core of the bystander effect is the idea of diffusion of responsibility. This occurs when individuals in a group feel less compelled to take action because they assume that someone else will. For instance, if a person receives a request for volunteers in a large group, they may hesitate to respond, believing that others will step up. Conversely, in a smaller group, the sense of personal responsibility is heightened, prompting quicker responses.

However, it is important to note that the bystander effect does not always occur. Research indicates that people are more likely to act altruistically in clear and unambiguous emergencies, such as witnessing a serious car accident or a fire. In these situations, the urgency of the crisis often overrides the diffusion of responsibility. Additionally, individuals with relevant expertise, such as medical training, are more inclined to intervene in emergencies, further reducing the likelihood of the bystander effect.

In summary, while the bystander effect and diffusion of responsibility are well-documented phenomena in psychology, they are not universal. Understanding these concepts can help individuals recognize the importance of personal responsibility in group settings and encourage proactive behavior in emergencies.

Example 1

The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon that describes how individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. This effect suggests that as the number of bystanders increases, the likelihood of any one person intervening decreases. This can be attributed to a diffusion of responsibility, where individuals feel less compelled to act because they assume someone else will take action.

In the context of a situation where a person is in distress, the presence of multiple witnesses can lead to inaction. For instance, if a person collapses in a crowded area, each bystander may think, "Someone else will help," resulting in a collective failure to assist. This contrasts sharply with the idea that more people would lead to a more organized and efficient response, or that they would seek out an expert to handle the situation. In fact, the opposite is true; the more bystanders there are, the less likely it is that any individual will step forward to provide assistance.

To summarize, the bystander effect highlights a critical aspect of human behavior in emergency situations: the presence of others can inhibit individual action, leading to a decreased likelihood of help being offered. Understanding this concept is essential for recognizing the dynamics of group behavior and the importance of personal responsibility in crisis situations.

In which scenario would you expect the bystander effect to be the MOST likely to occur?

• A. Sandy, a registered nurse, walks past a man who appears to be having a heart attack.
• B. Jomar walks by a house in a quiet neighborhood. He sees black smoke billowing out the windows and hears a woman screaming "Someone help me please!"
• C. Gisele is driving down the highway during rush hour when she witnesses a car accident.

Answer: (C)

Deindividuation

Deindividuation refers to a psychological state characterized by a loss of self-awareness, often occurring in large groups or crowded environments. This phenomenon can lead individuals to engage in behaviors that deviate from their usual conduct, particularly in contexts where societal norms or laws are challenged. A common area of study for deindividuation is mob violence, where individuals may act in ways they typically would not, such as participating in destructive behaviors during celebrations. For instance, during a recent championship victory, a crowd celebrated by lighting a couch on fire, an act that most individuals would not consider doing alone.

However, deindividuation is not solely linked to negative behaviors. It can also foster prosocial actions, such as increased friendliness and openness. In situations where individuals feel anonymous, like on public transport or while traveling, they may feel liberated to engage with strangers and express themselves more freely. This duality of deindividuation highlights its complex role in influencing human behavior, demonstrating that it can lead to both antisocial and prosocial outcomes depending on the context.

Example 2

Deindividuation refers to the psychological state where individuals lose their sense of self-awareness and individuality, often occurring in large crowds or populated areas. This phenomenon can lead to a range of behaviors, both positive and negative, influenced by the anonymity provided by the group context.

On the positive side, deindividuation can foster prosocial behaviors. For instance, when individuals find themselves in unfamiliar environments, such as a new city or while traveling, they may experience a sense of anonymity that encourages them to be more friendly and open. This increased openness can lead to greater self-expression and social interaction, as people feel liberated from the constraints of their usual social identities.

Conversely, deindividuation is also associated with negative behaviors, particularly in situations involving mob dynamics. In these contexts, individuals may engage in actions they would typically avoid, such as property destruction or violence. The collective identity of the group can diminish personal accountability, leading to behaviors that are often contrary to an individual's moral standards. This highlights the dual nature of deindividuation, where the loss of self-awareness can result in both positive social interactions and harmful group behaviors.

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is the bystander effect, and why does it occur?

The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help someone in need when others are present. This occurs due to a concept called diffusion of responsibility, where people assume that someone else will take action, reducing their own sense of obligation. For example, in a group of 30 people, each person might feel less personal responsibility to intervene compared to being in a group of two. The bystander effect is less likely to occur in clear emergencies, where the need for help is obvious, or when someone in the group has the expertise to assist, such as a medical professional during a health crisis. Understanding this effect helps us recognize how group dynamics can influence individual behavior in social situations.

How does deindividuation influence behavior in groups?

Deindividuation is a psychological state where individuals lose self-awareness and a sense of individuality, often leading to behaviors they wouldn’t typically engage in. This phenomenon is common in large crowds or highly populated areas. Deindividuation can result in antisocial behaviors, such as mob violence, where people act against societal norms, like vandalism during celebrations. However, it can also lead to prosocial behaviors, such as increased friendliness or openness, as seen when people feel anonymous in new environments like a vacation city. The loss of self-awareness in these contexts can make individuals more influenced by the group’s mood or actions, whether positive or negative.

What are some real-life examples of the bystander effect?

One well-known example of the bystander effect is the 1964 case of Kitty Genovese, where it was initially reported that 38 bystanders failed to intervene during her murder. Although later reports clarified that some neighbors did try to help, this case sparked research into the phenomenon. Another example is when someone collapses in a crowded public space, and no one immediately helps because each person assumes someone else will. These situations highlight how the presence of others can reduce individual responsibility. However, the bystander effect is less likely in clear emergencies or when someone with expertise, like a doctor, is present.

Can deindividuation lead to positive behaviors?

Yes, deindividuation can lead to positive, or prosocial, behaviors. For instance, in situations where individuals feel anonymous, such as being in a new city or on public transportation, they may feel freer to act in friendly or open ways. This could include striking up conversations with strangers or helping someone in need. The anonymity provided by deindividuation can reduce social inhibitions, allowing people to act more authentically or generously. While it is often studied in the context of negative behaviors like mob violence, deindividuation can also foster positive social interactions depending on the group’s context and mood.

How can understanding the bystander effect help in emergency situations?

Understanding the bystander effect can help individuals take proactive steps in emergencies. Knowing that people are less likely to act when others are present due to diffusion of responsibility, you can counteract this by directly addressing someone in the crowd, such as saying, "You in the red shirt, please call 911." This personalizes the request and reduces ambiguity, making it more likely that someone will help. Additionally, being aware of this phenomenon can encourage individuals to overcome hesitation and take initiative, especially in situations where immediate action is critical. Education about the bystander effect can empower people to act decisively in emergencies.

What factors reduce the likelihood of the bystander effect occurring?

The bystander effect is less likely to occur in situations where the emergency is clear and unambiguous, such as a visible car accident or a fire. It is also reduced when individuals in the group have expertise relevant to the situation, like medical training during a health crisis. Additionally, smaller group sizes decrease the diffusion of responsibility, making individuals feel more accountable for taking action. Directly addressing someone in the group to help can also mitigate the bystander effect by assigning responsibility to a specific person. These factors help ensure that individuals are more likely to intervene in emergencies.