A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What term describes the failure to offer help to those in need?

1. Bystander effect

2. Social exclusion

3. Bystander apathy

4. Diffusion of responsibility

The correct answer is: Bystander apathy

The term that describes the failure to offer help to those in need is "bystander apathy." This concept refers specifically to situations in which individuals present in an emergency do not take action to help a person in distress due to a variety of psychological factors, one of which is the presence of other bystanders. When individuals witness an event where help is required but choose not to intervene, it is often due to a sense of apathy or indifference towards the situation, which can stem from various perceptions or beliefs about the responsibility to act. While "bystander effect" also refers to the phenomenon where the likelihood of helping decreases as the number of bystanders increases, it does not solely capture the emotional or psychological disconnection that "bystander apathy" embodies. "Diffusion of responsibility" describes a similar scenario but focuses more on how the presence of others leads to a reduction in personal responsibility felt by any single bystander. "Social exclusion," on the other hand, pertains to the experience of being isolated or excluded from a group, which is not directly related to the failure to help in a specific situation. Thus, "bystander apathy" accurately encapsulates the failure to assist those in need.