Micro · Individual Stub 1968

Bystander Effect and Diffusion of Responsibility

방관자 효과

A robust social psychology phenomenon demonstrating that individuals are significantly less likely to offer help to a victim when other bystanders are present, driven by diffusion of responsibility and pluralistic ignorance.

Field Psychology · Sociology
Level of analysis Micro · Individual
Paradigm Cognitivism Symbolic Interactionism
Key figures 👤 John Darley (존 달리) 👤 Bibb Latané (비브 라타네)
Year 1968

Key Claims

John Darley and Bibb Latané proved that emergency intervention is inhibited by group size. Bystanders experience diffusion of responsibility (assuming others will act) and pluralistic ignorance (interpreting others’ calm demeanor as a cue of safety), drastically lowering individual helping.

Further Reading

  • Darley, J. M., & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4), 377–383.
  • Latané, B., & Darley, J. M. (1970). The Unresponsive Bystander: Why Doesn’t He Help?. Appleton-Century-Crofts.

Related theories 3개

Theories pointing to this one 1개