A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which factor did not influence the number of people who helped during the study?

1. The number of bystanders

2. Visible distress of the victim

3. Time of day

4. Victims' attire

The correct answer is: The number of bystanders

The factor that did not influence the number of people who helped during the study is the number of bystanders present. Research in psychology has shown that the bystander effect can occur, where the presence of more bystanders actually diminishes the likelihood of any one individual offering help. This phenomenon is explained by the diffusion of responsibility, which suggests that individuals feel less personal obligation to intervene when others are present. In contrast, visible distress of the victim has been shown to increase helping behavior since people are more likely to respond to someone who appears to be in need. The time of day can also play a role, as certain times may see variations in social context or individual busyness that affect helping behavior. Additionally, a victim's attire might influence perceptions and empathy levels, impacting the willingness to assist depending on social or cultural biases related to their appearance. Understanding these dynamics illustrates the complexities behind human behavior and the varying factors that can encourage or deter altruistic actions in emergency situations.