A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

In which situation are males more likely to help, based on Piliavin et al's findings?

1. During emergencies

2. In controlled experiments

3. In public places

4. In office settings

The correct answer is: During emergencies

The findings of Piliavin et al. highlight that males are more likely to help during emergencies. This conclusion is drawn from their research on bystander behavior, where situational factors greatly influence the likelihood of an individual providing assistance. During emergencies, the immediate and often life-threatening nature of the situation appears to prompt a stronger response from males, who might feel a societal pressure or instinctive drive to intervene and protect. In contrast, the other situations listed do not showcase the same level of urgency or perceived need for immediate action. Controlled experiments typically involve a more artificial environment where natural reactions may not be present. Public places could result in a diffusion of responsibility, where individuals might be less likely to assist due to the presence of multiple bystanders. Office settings, meanwhile, may not invoke the same urgency or emotional response that emergencies do, leading to a lower likelihood of help from males in those contexts.