University of Central Florida (UCF) SOP3004 Social Psychology Practice Test 3

The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when there are other people present. This behavior occurs due to several factors, including diffusion of responsibility, where individuals feel that someone else will take action, and social influence, where people look to the reactions of others to determine how to behave. In emergencies, the presence of additional bystanders can create a situation where each person assumes someone else will assist, leading to a decrease in the likelihood of any one individual intervening. This is the essence of option B, which accurately captures the core concept of the bystander effect.

The other options do not reflect the recognized dynamics of the bystander effect. For instance, suggesting that individuals are more likely to help when alone overlooks the critical role that group dynamics play in the decision to intervene. Similarly, stating that the phenomenon leads to increased rescue efforts in crowded places contradicts the primary observation that more people can inhibit, rather than facilitate, action. Lastly, while emotional reactions can certainly play a role during emergencies, they do not specifically address the behavioral outcomes that define the bystander effect.