The Bystander Effect

The bystander effect typically occurs in situations where the probability of people helping decreases in the presence of other individuals. Generally, research has shown that the probability of helping someone increases when an individual is alone.

THE BYSTANDER EFFECT. Bystander intervention in emergencies Diffusion of responsibility. Pluralistic Ignorance (SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY) - iResearchNet. Pluralistic Ignorance Definition Pluralistic ignorance occurs when people erroneously infer that they feel differently from their peers, even though they are behaving similarly. As one example, imagine the following scenario: You are sitting in a large lecture hall listening to an especially complicated lecture.

After many minutes of incomprehensible material, the lecturer pauses and asks if there are any questions. No hands go up. You look around the room. Could these people really understand what the lecturer is talking about? You yourself are completely lost. Another case of pluralistic ignorance that is familiar to many college students concerns drinking on campus.

Pluralistic Ignorance and Social Dynamics Pluralistic ignorance plays a role in many other dysfunctional social dynamics. Pluralistic Ignorance and Social Norms Consequences of Pluralistic Ignorance Pluralistic ignorance has been linked to a wide range of deleterious consequences. References: O’Gorman, H. How can we do something? Be an active bystander. Do not stand by, step up!