Darley & Latané · 1968
Bystander Effect
38 witnesses watched a murder? The study triggered by Kitty Genovese showed more people = less help.
Methodology
Origin:
• Kitty Genovese murder (1964)
Lab Study (Seizure):
• Discuss via intercom
• Confederate has seizure
• Conditions: Alone vs 2 others vs 5 others
Findings
Help Rate:
• Alone: 85% helped
• With 2 others: 62%
• With 5 others: 31%
⏱️ Time:
• Alone: 52s
• Group: 166s
Why?
• Diffusion of Responsibility
• Pluralistic Ignorance
Significance
Lesson:
• Don't yell "Help!"
• Point to someone: "You in the red jacket, call 911!"