Questions: The effect of the number of observers on the likelihood a bystander will intervene is probably influenced by
a fear of looking foolish
a sense of individual responsibility
cooperation
reciprocation
Transcript text: The effect of the number of observers on the likelihood a bystander will intervene is probably influenced by $\qquad$
a fear of looking foolish
a sense of individual responsibility
cooperation
reciprocation
Solution
Answer
The answer is a sense of individual responsibility.
Explanation
Option 1: A fear of looking foolish
While fear of looking foolish can influence a bystander's decision to intervene, it is not directly related to the number of observers. This factor is more about personal perception and social anxiety rather than the presence of others.
Option 2: A sense of individual responsibility
This option is most directly related to the number of observers. The phenomenon known as the "bystander effect" suggests that as the number of observers increases, the sense of individual responsibility decreases. This is because each bystander assumes someone else will take action, leading to a diffusion of responsibility.
Option 3: Cooperation
Cooperation generally refers to working together towards a common goal, which is not directly influenced by the number of observers in a bystander situation. It is more about collective action rather than individual intervention.
Option 4: Reciprocation
Reciprocation involves responding to a positive action with another positive action, which is not directly related to the number of observers. It is more about mutual exchange rather than the dynamics of bystander intervention.