Assume that you are a participant in Latané and Darley's (1968) experiment examining when people help. You believe that there are five other people participating with you in a discussion, although you are isolated in a booth to ensure privacy. When you are listening to one of the other participants talk, you hear him beginning to have a seizure. If you behave like the typical subject in Latané and Darley's research, what are you most likely to do?

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The typical subject in Latané and Darley's research would be likely to anxiously remain in the booth and hope for the best. This is due to the social psychology phenomenon known as the bystander effect, which suggests that people are less likely to help when others are present. The other participants' presence could lead to diffusion of responsibility, as each person assumes someone else will take action. Additionally, the lack of direct communication and physical presence could lead to a sense of anonymity and decreased sense of personal responsibility to help.

Assume That You Are a Participant in Latané and Darley's