Title: Responsibility, norms, and helping in an emergency
Abstract: Replicated the J. Darley and B. Latane (see record) study of bystander aid to a seizure victim examining the effects of (a) number and competence of bystanders, (b) information appropriate for action, and (c) ascription of responsibility (AR) upon helping by males and females. From an analysis of norms relevant in an emergency and of the likelihood of their activation, main effects on speed of helping for the above 4 variables, interactions of the 1st 3 with AR, a Sex of Subject × Number interaction, and differences in type of help offered in various conditions were predicted. 179 undergraduates participated in a factorial experiment. Speed of helping dropped significantly for females, but not for males, when other bystanders were present (reporting decreased, direct help was unaffected), and dropped significantly further when another bystander was medically competent (reporting increased, direct help decreased). Among females disposed to accept rationales for denying responsibility, both effects were particularly strong. Information-action and AR to the self were associated with faster and more direct help. Data on Ss' thoughts and feelings reinforced a normative interpretation of the results. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1970 American Psychological Association.