Question

Which of the following combination of phenomena is necessary for the bystander effect to occur?

a) pluralistic ignorance and diffusion of responsibility.
b) informational function and normative function.
c) diffusion of responsibility and normative function.
d) pluralistic ignorance and informational function.

Answer 1

The bystander effect requires both pluralistic ignorance and diffusion of responsibility for individuals in a group to be less likely to help someone in need.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bystander effect occurs when there are multiple witnesses to an event, and individuals are less likely to take action or help due to the presence of others. This phenomenon can be primarily attributed to two main social psychological concepts: pluralistic ignorance and diffusion of responsibility. Pluralistic ignorance leads individuals to incorrectly interpret others' lack of action as a signal that intervention is not needed, while diffusion of responsibility makes each individual feel less compelled to act because the responsibility is spread across all the bystanders present.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question "which of the following combination of phenomena is necessary for the bystander effect to occur?" is a) pluralistic ignorance and diffusion of responsibility. These two concepts must both be present to explain why individuals in a group setting may refrain from helping someone in need.