A car crash woke Malcolm from his afternoon nap. When he looked out his apartment window, he saw several people milling around two smashed cars. He decided not to dial 911 because he assumed someone had already called. Malcolm's reaction is an example of __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Malcolm's decision not to call 911 despite witnessing a car crash and assuming others had likely called is an example of the bystander effect. The bystander effect is the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer assistance in an emergency situation when there are other people around, assuming someone else will take responsibility.

A Car Crash Woke Malcolm from His Afternoon Nap