Psychological Definitions
People think “someone else will help,” so they don’t act.
What is diffusion of responsibility
This person’s case is linked to the start of bystander effect research.
Who is Kitty Genovese
Someone is lying on the ground not moving. What should you assume first
Emergency / check responsiveness
The first thing you should do in an emergency.
What is check safety / assess situation?
This sounds like judging someone’s personality, but actually explains fear of looking dumb in public
What is evaluation apprehension
The city where the incident happened
What is New York City
People are filming instead of helping. This is a sign of what effect
What is the bystander effect
The action that breaks the bystander effect fastest
What is taking personal responsibility
People copy others’ actions to decide what’s “right” in uncertain situations
What is social proof / informational social influence
All 38 witnesses saw her being attacked clearly and did nothing.
Partially false — reports were later debated and more complex.
True or False
If others are calm, the situation is definitely safe
False — could be pluralistic ignorance
If many people are around, you should wait because someone more qualified will help.
False — you should still act or assign help.
True or False
The bystander effect means people are more likely to help in groups
False — it’s less likely to help in groups.
The year the event happened
What is 1964
Everyone looks around confused instead of acting. This is called what?
What is pluralistic ignorance
A good way to get people to help quickly is giving them this.
What is a specific task (“you call 911”)
The main psychological reason people DON’T help is usually because of this feeling of “it’s not my job.”
What is diffusion of responsibility / reduced personal responsibility?
This case became famous partly because early reports exaggerated witness inaction
What is media influence / misreporting
The biggest danger in emergencies with groups is people doing this instead of acting
What is waiting for someone else to act
The most effective way to stop diffusion of responsibility.
What is directly addressing individuals instead of groups