Bystander Behavior

A half century ago, psychological scientists Bibb Latané and John Darley conducted foundational research showing that people avoid helping someone in an emergency when other witnesses are present. In the years since, research has greatly increased our understanding about how and when we accept — or skirt — responsibility.

Helping a total stranger is generally viewed as morally better and more trustworthy than someone who helps a family member. But this is true only if the helper did not have to choose between those options. [NEWS Feb. 10, 2020] More

What Makes a ‘Good Samaritan’ Good? That Opinion Depends on the Beneficiary

Helping a total stranger is generally viewed as morally better and more trustworthy than someone who helps a family member. But this is true only if the helper did not have to choose between those options. [NEWS Feb. 10, 2020] More
When asked about emergency situations, most people say they would spontaneously help another person. However, not everyone does so in real life, especially when there are other people around, a phenomenon known as the bystander effect. Traditional explanations for bystander apathy include three psychological factors: diffusion of responsibility, or the More

How Reflex Responses and Personality Play into the Bystander Effect

When asked about emergency situations, most people say they would spontaneously help another person. However, not everyone does so in real life, especially when there are other people around, a phenomenon known as the bystander effect. Traditional explanations for bystander apathy include three psychological factors: diffusion of responsibility, or the More
Kitty Genovese's murder caught the attention of the public and psychological scientists alike, but new research indicates we’ve had the story all wrong for the last 50 years. More

A New Look at the Killing of Kitty Genovese: The Science of False Confessions

Kitty Genovese's murder caught the attention of the public and psychological scientists alike, but new research indicates we’ve had the story all wrong for the last 50 years. More
Children as young as 5 are less likely to help a person in need when other children are present and available to help. More

Children Less Likely to Come to the Rescue When Others Are Available

Children as young as 5 are less likely to help a person in need when other children are present and available to help. More