Which factor tends to make helping less likely in an emergency?

Which factor tends to make helping less likely in an emergency?

• A. A single identifiable helper is available
• B. The presence of many bystanders
• C. The victim is a known friend
• D. The situation is unambiguous

Answer: (B)

In emergencies, diffusion of responsibility plays a big role: when many bystanders are present, each person feels less personal obligation to act because they assume someone else will step in. This social dynamic makes helping less likely and can slow or prevent timely assistance, even though aid is needed. If only one identifiable helper is present, that person feels a stronger duty to act and is more likely to intervene. A known friend often motivates helping due to social and emotional bonds. When the situation is unambiguous, people are more confident about what needs to be done and are more likely to take action quickly.

In emergencies, diffusion of responsibility plays a big role: when many bystanders are present, each person feels less personal obligation to act because they assume someone else will step in. This social dynamic makes helping less likely and can slow or prevent timely assistance, even though aid is needed.

If only one identifiable helper is present, that person feels a stronger duty to act and is more likely to intervene. A known friend often motivates helping due to social and emotional bonds. When the situation is unambiguous, people are more confident about what needs to be done and are more likely to take action quickly.