Sharlene is walking home from school and witnesses a car accident. She stops to watch what is happening, and although both drivers are unharmed, one driver is extremely angry and starts punching the other driver. Sharlene noticed that she is not the only one to stop and take note of the situation. There are a number of other people standing on the street watching, and many cars have driven by. She assumes that someone has phoned the police and does not even think of using her cell phone to call 911. Sharlene's behaviour can be explained by ___________________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sharlene's behaviour can be explained by diffusion of responsibility, which is the tendency to assume that someone else will take action when others are present. This is supported by the fact that there are many people watching the situation, and Sharlene assumes that someone else has already called 911.

Sharlene Is Walking Home from School and Witnesses a Car