The analysis of the cartoons also involved the bystander effect. The bystander effect states that helping behavior decreases as the number of bystanders increases. The bystander effect is further illustrated in a study conducted by Latane and Darley. The results of this study illustrate the bystander effect. Diffusion of responsibility was another topic we discussed in relation to the cartoon.
Diffusion of responsibility is an explanation for the bystander effect.
The Kitty Genovese case and another similar occurrence were discussed in class to help illustrate the concept of diffusion of responsibility. Reluctance to help was also covered in our class discussion. There are many reasons why people chose not to help in a situation. One explanation for people being reluctant to help is because different people define situations in different ways. Some may see an emergency and some may look right over the situation and label it as insufficient in terms of help required.