the bystander effect

An example of how people behave in groups is the paradox called the bystander effect. This is when people are less likely to provide needed help when they are in groups than when they are alone. The probablity of getting help declines as group size increases, as proven by a study done by Darley and Latane that had subjects respond to falsely created emergencies. Participants who were alone helped 75% of the time, but participants in a group only helped 53% of the time. This could be due to the diffusion of responsiblity in a group situation. Many assume when others are present, the responsiblity is divided or reduced. Unfortunately, I have experienced situations where this theory seems to be correct. If you are alone, you are soley responsible to do whatever you can to help a person in need. However, in a group, you can dismiss the problem more easily because you think that someone else will help instead. While it is true not everyone has experience in helping those suffering from faintings, flat tires, asthma attacks, crashes, and fires, that does not excuse the lack of effort made by bystanders to apparent emergencies. I myself have blamed my lack of experience or knowledge to help someone in an emergency to excuse myself from assisting. While I describe myself as a kind and helpful person and a good friend, I admit I haven't always acted bravely in the face of emergencies. It has never been a life-threatening or huge situation at hand, but I could have done my part to at least attempt to help the person in need. Unfortunately, it seems like I am one of many individuals who has reacted this way.