Set 5: Central Ideas (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The following text discusses the Bystander Effect. The bystander effect is a social psychological theory that states that individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. The probability of help is inversely related to the number of bystanders. This is often attributed to 'diffusion of responsibility,' where observers feel that since others are present, the responsibility to act is shared and no single person feels compelled to intervene.
What psychological mechanism primarily drives the bystander effect?
Detailed Explanation
Choice B is correct. The text explicitly attributes it to 'diffusion of responsibility,' explaining that shared responsibility reduces individual compulsion to act.
Key Evidence:
• "attributed to 'diffusion of responsibility'"
• "responsibility to act is shared"
Why others are wrong: A (Not mentioned as the primary mechanism), C (Not mentioned), D (Not mentioned).