The police finally rescued 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart after she was held captive for over nine months by a drifter and his female companion. 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 given statement is incorrect. Diffusion of responsibility refers to the tendency of individuals to feel less responsible for taking action when other people are present. The correct attributional pattern that explains the response of some observers towards the case of Elizabeth Smart is called victim blaming, where the victim is held responsible for the harm they have suffered.

The Police Finally Rescued 14-Year-Old Elizabeth Smart After She Was