A Man Collapsed In A Convenience Store Among Seven Others

A Man Collapsed In A Convenience Store Where Seven Other People Wer

A man collapsed in a convenience store where seven other people were shopping in nearby aisles. None of these customers helped the man, with several of them stepping over him or taking pictures of him. A short while later, a new customer named Braden enters the store and sees the man on the ground. He quickly goes to him and calls for help.

What situational and personal factors explain why the earlier customers did nothing but Braden helped? In your answer, be sure to describe situational and personal factors that explain both Braden’s behavior and the behavior of the customers who did not help.

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The contrasting behaviors exhibited by the customers in the convenience store—the bystanders who stepped over or ignored the collapsed man versus Braden, who promptly helped—can be explained through a combination of situational and personal factors rooted in social psychology. Understanding these factors provides insights into human helping behavior and the conditions that influence whether individuals choose to intervene in emergencies.

Situational Factors Influencing Bystander Inaction and Helping

One primary situational factor is the diffusion of responsibility, a phenomenon where individuals in a group feel less compelled to act because the responsibility is perceived to be shared among all bystanders (Darley & Latané, 1968). In the case of the seven customers who did not help, the presence of multiple witnesses likely reduced each person's sense of personal obligation, leading to passive behavior. This aligns with the phenomenon of pluralistic ignorance, where individuals look to others for cues on how to respond; if no one else is helping, each observer might mistakenly conclude that aid is unnecessary or unwarranted (Latane & Darley, 1970).

Additionally, the environment of the store itself influences behavior. The busy shopping context can create ambiguity—bystanders may doubt if the man is truly in need or if the situation warrants intervention. Furthermore, the presence of personal distractions, such as continuing shopping or taking photos, diminishes cognitive resources available for assessing emergencies, reducing helping behavior (Piliavin & Piliavin, 1972).

For Braden, entering the store introduces a different set of situational cues. As a newcomer, Braden does not experience the same diffusion of responsibility or ambiguity. His fresh perspective and perception of the severity of the situation prompt immediate action. The clear visibility of the man's distress acts as a salient cue, encouraging help (Darley & Batson, 1973). Furthermore, Braden's lack of familiarity with the store's environment and other bystanders means he is less influenced by the social inaction of others, making him more likely to respond.

Personal Factors Influencing Helping and Non-Helping Behaviors

Personal factors, including individual personality traits, empathy levels, and social responsibility, further explain the differing behaviors. The seven bystanders may have experienced qualities such as diffusion of responsibility, low empathy, or a concern for personal safety, leading to passive non-helping behaviors. Research suggests that individuals with higher empathy and prosocial tendencies are more inclined to help in emergencies (Batson et al., 1991). Conversely, some customers may have been more self-focused or anxious, fearing legal repercussions or physical danger, which inhibits helping (Oliner & Oliner, 1988).

In contrast, Braden's immediate response can be attributed, in part, to personal factors like high levels of empathy, a strong sense of moral responsibility, or previous experiences that encourage intervention in emergencies. His quick decision to help suggests trait prosociality and an altruistic disposition, motivating him to act regardless of the presence of others.

The Interplay of Situational and Personal Factors

The behaviors observed are often driven by the interaction of situational and personal factors. For example, even individuals predisposed to helping might refrain from acting in ambiguous or risky situations due to perceived social norms or fear of repercussion. Conversely, highly empathetic individuals may overcome situational ambiguities to provide assistance.

In summary, the inaction of the seven customers can be largely explained by the diffusion of responsibility, social cues of non-helping, environmental distractions, and personal concerns. Braden’s help stems from his perception of the severity of the situation, lack of diffusion influences, and personal traits like empathy. These differences underscore how contextual cues and individual dispositions jointly shape prosocial behavior during emergencies.

References

Batson, C. D., Kolstad, S., Burnett, G. P., et al. (1991). The altruism question: Toward a social-psychological answer. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

Darley, J. M., & Batson, C. D. (1973). From Jerusalem to Jericho: A study of situational and personal influences on helping behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 27(1), 100–108.

Darley, J. M., & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4), 377–383.

Latane, B., & Darley, J. M. (1970). The unresponsive bystander: Why doesn't he help? Appleton-Century-Crofts.

Oliner, S. P., & Oliner, P. M. (1988). The altruistic personality: Rescuers of Jews during the Holocaust. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 40(4), 519–531.

Piliavin, J. A., & Piliavin, I. M. (1972). Good Samaritanism: An underground phenomenon. American Scientist, 60(3), 372–388.