LC Blog #3: The Bystander Effect

Scenario 1:

I think people would be equally likely to help or not help, a 4 on the scale, because many people would think that it’s their own fault because they were driving recklessly, but also many people would stop anyways because the driver or passengers could be seriously hurt and that’s more important. So even though a lot of people would believe they brought it on themselves, the seriousness of the issue might make them stop anyways to make sure the people were alright. If they personally were cut off by that car they would be less likely to stop and help, but others who merely witnessed it might offer their assistance more easily. Also, if one car pulls over, more might feel inclined to as well. (Or they wouldn’t feel guilty about not helping if someone else already is…)

Scenario 2:

I think people would be slightly more likely to help, a 3 on the scale, because many people would most likely know the teacher personally and be more inclined to help, and once one person bends over to help pick up a paper, almost everyone else starts to help pick them up too. If someone knew the teacher they would be more likely to help pick up the papers, whether because that connection they have with them makes them actually want to help, or if because later they would have to be in a class with them and it would be rude if they simply walked past. The reason I did not rate it as a 1 or a 2 is because many students would be in a rush, and thus less likely to help, and if that one person does not start it, most likely people will just continue to walk past.

Scenario 3:

I believe people would be very unlikely to help in this situation, a 7 on the scale, for many reasons. Just like the mother yelling at her child, someone might feel uncomfortable to intervene because it’s none of their business- Maybe the guy deserves it? Maybe this is just a one time argument? Because people don’t know the back story, many would hesitate to get involved because it could end up being something completely different than what they assume just from watching it. Also, in this situation it could be potentially dangerous for someone to try to help, so even if they really believed they should intervene, they probably wouldn’t for the sake of their own safety. There’s always the chance that someone would help though, maybe if they didn’t feel threatened by the men, or if they felt confident enough that there was a real problem they’d call for help. You never know; someone might recognize the men and know that they’re trouble, and understand better the seriousness of the matter, or maybe even know the man who’s in trouble and feel more eager to help.

Scenario 4:

For this situation, I feel that most people would not help, maybe a 5 or 6 on the scale. For something like this where a problem isn’t very recognizable, most people would hesitate to help. Also, seeing that others are not helping either would make people even less likely to offer their assistance. Specific, small details of this situation would also make people less likely to help such as the fact that he’s sitting (if he were standing and ready to jump off it would be very different), and that he’s over a river (sitting on the edge of a tall building with only pavement at the bottom would make it seem a lot more serious). When a life is possibly at stake though, there are always people who beat the bystander effect and take action anyways. If someone in the crowd happens to have some sort of experience with suicide, such as a family member or friend, or even themselves at one point, it would definitely make them more likely to help. And, of course, if someone knew him, they would definitely be more concerned and want to help in any way possible.