After being held captive for over nine months by a drifter and his female companion, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was finally rescued by the police. When details of her captivity were widely publicized, some observers publicly questioned why the girl never tried to escape or get the attention of the police. Such responses illustrate an attributional pattern called diffusion of responsibility.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct term for this attributional pattern is "victim blaming," where the responsibility for the crime is placed on the victim rather than the perpetrator. "Diffusion of responsibility" refers to a phenomenon where individuals are less likely to take action or feel a sense of responsibility in the presence of a large group of people.

After Being Held Captive for Over Nine Months by a Drifter