The norm of social commitment was examined by Moriarty (1975) in a study in which a researcher left his belongings unattended at the beach. After the researcher left, a confederate came along and attempted to steal the researcher's radio. In which condition were the beachgoers most likely to try to stop the thief?

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The norm of social commitment suggests that people feel a sense of obligation to help or protect others who have previously helped them or shown them kindness. In this study, the researcher asking nearby beachgoers to watch his belongings before leaving establishes a prior request for assistance, making them more likely to feel a sense of obligation to help and intervene if someone attempts to steal the belongings.

The Norm of Social Commitment Was Examined by Moriarty (1975)