Bystander Behaviour

    OCR
    GCSE

    The study of Bystander Behaviour examines the psychological mechanisms inhibiting or promoting intervention in emergency situations. Triggered by the 1964 Kitty Genovese murder, research shifted focus from dispositional altruism to situational determinants, specifically the 'Bystander Effect'. Candidates must analyse the cognitive decision-making processes (Latane & Darley) versus physiological arousal-cost-reward models (Piliavin). Mastery requires evaluating the tension between laboratory control and ecological validity, and understanding how variables such as group size, ambiguity, and social identity influence prosocial responses.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    4
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for precise definition of diffusion of responsibility: the decrease in personal obligation to help when others are present
    • Credit accurate citation of Piliavin's variables: Victim Responsibility (Cane vs. Drunk) and Race (Black vs. White)
    • Evaluation must critique the field experiment method: high ecological validity versus lack of control over extraneous variables
    • Responses must apply the Cost-Reward model to scenarios: weighing costs of helping (danger, effort) against costs of not helping (guilt, censure)

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have defined the concept, now apply it to the specific details of the scenario provided"
    • "Strengthen your evaluation of Piliavin by contrasting the high ecological validity with the lack of internal reliability"
    • "Explicitly state whether the factor discussed is situational or dispositional before explaining its impact"
    • "Use the specific terminology 'Cost-Reward Model' rather than general phrases about weighing up options"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise definition of diffusion of responsibility: the decrease in personal obligation to help when others are present
    • Credit accurate citation of Piliavin's variables: Victim Responsibility (Cane vs. Drunk) and Race (Black vs. White)
    • Evaluation must critique the field experiment method: high ecological validity versus lack of control over extraneous variables
    • Responses must apply the Cost-Reward model to scenarios: weighing costs of helping (danger, effort) against costs of not helping (guilt, censure)

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 13-mark 'Discuss' questions, ensure a balanced argument: contrast the high ecological validity of Piliavin with ethical breaches regarding consent
    • 💡When applying knowledge to a scenario (AO2), explicitly name the psychological concept (e.g., 'This demonstrates the bystander effect because...')
    • 💡Memorize the specific figures from Piliavin: 103 trials, 6-8 trials per day, 7.5 minutes gap
    • 💡Differentiate clearly between the 'victim' and the 'model' in the Piliavin procedure description

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'diffusion of responsibility' (group size effect) with 'pluralistic ignorance' (looking to others for cues)
    • Describing Piliavin's results generically without citing the 95% help rate for the Cane victim
    • Failing to distinguish between situational factors (environment) and dispositional factors (personality/mood)

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    Calculate

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