Question 1
Discuss factors influencing bystanderism.
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of factors influencing bystanderism.
Bystanderism can be defined as the tendency of a person not to intervene despite awareness of another person's need.
Factors may include, but are not limited to:
- Latané and Darley's (1968) research which looked at the role of the number of people available to help (diffusion of responsibility) as well as the informational social influence (pluralistic ignorance)
- cognitive dissonance and arousal (Piliavin, 1981)
- the costs versus benefits of helping (Piliavin et al., 1969)
- personality and/or social norms (Oliner and Oliner, 1989)
- cultural norms (Levin, 1990).
Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
- cultural considerations
- role of historical context
- methodological considerations
- empirical evidence
- arguments for the existence of altruism
- application of programmes to promote prosocial behaviours (eg Zimbardo's heroism project).
Candidates may discuss a small number of factors influencing bystanderism to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of factors influencing bystanderism in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.