Stage 1 Psychology

Issues Investigation – Social Influence and Interaction

True altruism can be defined as “increasing another’s welfare without conscious regard for one’s self-interests” (Myers, 2002, p. 470). The purpose of altruism is to intentionally benefit others without seeking any rewards or benefits for themselves. There are many factors associated to the occurrence of altruism which varies from person to person, as we all have different personalities. On a biological level however, we are all hard-wired to help one another in order to ensure the survival of our species. Factors that affect whether or not we help others can be categorized into two groups; situational factors and personal influences (Carter, L 2005).

Situational factors include: noticing the situation, interpreting the situation, assuming responsibility, deciding how to help and then providing the help (Carter, L 2005). Noticing the situation means that one is actually aware of the emergency situation and interpreting the situation is correctly labeling it as an ‘emergency’. Assuming responsibility is when someone decides to help after correctly determining that the situation is an emergency and subsequently, they decide on how they might help. Finally, help is provided and altruism is achieved. However, these factors are also influenced by sub-factors such as diffusion of responsibility, time pressures and competency (Carter, L 2005). Diffusion of responsibility, also referred to as the ‘Bystander effect’, is the ‘diffusion’ or even distribution of responsibility amongst the people present in a situation where help is required. People have the tendency to not help when others are present because they feel as though they are less responsible compared to when they are alone. Time pressures also have an impact on when people help; those who do not have time pressures are way more likely to provide help than those who did have time pressures. Competency is having the ability to successfully intervene or provide help; those who felt competent were most likely to help.

Personal influences are related to one’s mood and feelings, personality, religious commitments, gender, and similarities. We are more likely to help when we are in a ‘Good’ mood and also when we are feeling guilty. Those who are highly emotional and have a greater ability to empathise with others tend to help more readily, as well as those who have a strong religious commitment. Research has also shown that males are more likely to help if the recipient is female and those help is more likely provided if the recipient has things in common with us (Carter, L 2005).

One example of altruistic behaviour is donating money to the homeless. This is an act of altruism because it can be viewed as ‘giving without receiving anything in return’. One theory which explains why we display helping behaviour is the ‘social responsibility norm’. The social responsibility norm derives from the ‘social norm’; which are rules created by our society about ways of behaving in certain social situations; ways that stipulate what people should or should not do (Carter, L 2005). The social responsibility norm describes that those who are able to take care of themselves have a duty and obligation to assist those who cannot, regardless of their ability to reciprocate. Social responsibility norms are exhibited everyday throughout our lives without us even noticing; when we open the door for a disabled person, give up our seat for an elderly person on the bus, or helping a young child find their parents.

David Hoang Stage 1 Psychology 7/06/10

Two possible reasons why none of Kitty’s neighbours responded to her screams –

One possible reason that could explain this lack of response from the neighbours is the ‘diffusion of responsibility’. The 37 people who heard her screaming and saw part of her murder may have felt less ‘responsible’ for her as others were present at the time (Bostonboomer, 2009), which may have led them to believe that someone will eventually help her and therefore they do not need to. As we now know, no one did come to Kitty’s aid when she needed it which caused her death, but the diffusion of responsibility was very great at that time so it was very unlikely for someone to perform an altruistic act.

Another possible reason is the ‘interpretation of the situation’. It was found that the first attack that occurred had most likely finished before most of the witnesses arrived at their windows. Kitty had also left the scene on her own will after the first attack without calling for any assistance whatsoever (The

New York Times, 1995). The second attack occurred in a narrow walkway in the rear of a building where only 1 witness was able to physically observe the attack (Bostonboomer, 2009). This means that the stabbings could have easily been interpreted as a non-emergency situation to the witnesses as firstly; there was no plea for help and secondly; most of them were unable to see what was really happening. The vagueness of the situation was most likely the reason why people didn’t offer any help; the situation was labeled as ‘non-emergency’.

Ethical Issues involved with creating an altruistic society –

Although an altruistic society may sound very appealing to some, there are also many ethical issues involved in creating one.

Firstly, ‘true’ altruism is usually achieved through those who are more empathetic towards others. Our society includes both empathetic and apathetic people, and forcing an altruistic society upon those who are apathetic is immoral and goes against people’s freedom and rights; even if it is for the good of our society. Altruism can also sometimes put our lives at risk; an altruistic society means that we always help others no matter the cost. We shouldn’t feel pressured into risking our lives if we don’t want to; as it is our body and therefore we have the choice to not help if it puts us at risk in any way.

Secondly, our society relies on competition to advance our economy. An altruistic society would promote putting others before ourselves and not being selfish, which would mean that the competition would disappear completely. Without a bit of selfishness and competition, we would not be able to discover new ways on how to improve the quality of our lives. A true altruistic society is not necessarily the ‘best’ society as one might hypothesise; a little bit of selfishness and competition keeps the structure and development of our society.

David Hoang Stage 1 Psychology 7/06/10

Possible community intervention strategy –

One possible community intervention strategy is through an advertising campaign which focuses on the positive effects of altruism and the effects of ‘diffusion of responsibility’. The advertisements should consist of normal everyday people helping out others who are in need of help, to create a sense of ‘similarity’ which the viewers can relate to. The issue of the diffusion of responsibility should also be addressed by having ordinary people walk past an emergency situation without offering help; to inform viewers of its presence in our society. It should also include physically attractive people to draw attention to the advertisement, and should have the positive effects of altruism clearly stated and illustrated throughout either in words or by using a professional psychologist. Finally, a catchy slogan like “Help others, and others will help you” should be displayed at the very end of the advertisements so that it stays in the viewers’ minds. These persuasive advertising techniques should be effective in increasing public awareness of the bystander effect.

Bibliography –

Websites:

Bostonboomer. (2009). The Kitty Genovese Case: A Fascinating Intersection of True Crime, Psychology, and Media Misinformation. [URL: http://riverdaughter.wordpress.com/2009/08/02/a-fascinating-intersection-of-true-crime-psychology-and-media-misinformation/]. Last accessed 6th Sep 2010.

The New York Times. (1995). Reviving Kitty Genovese Case, and Its Passions. [URL: http://www.nytimes.com/1995/07/25/nyregion/reviving-kitty-genovese-case-and-its-passions.html?pagewanted=2]. Last accessed 7th Sep 2010.

Books:

Carter, L (2005). Psychology Stage I. Queensland: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. 80-156.

David Hoang Stage 1 Psychology 7/06/10