A fascinating dimension of the bystander effect is the diffusion of responsibility. The general hypothesis that has been tested is: As the number of bystanders increases, it is less likely that any one onlooker will help (Darley and Latane, 1968). Social influence adds to this idea. Passive social influence from bystanders acts on the diffusion of responsibility and maximizes the bystander effect. Although pro-social behavior can be learned, because of social restraint exhibition of pro-social behavior …showed first 75 words of 1755 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1755 total…L., & Lewis, L.D. (1973). Do groups always inhibit individuals' responses to potential emergencies?. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 26, 395-399. Latane, B. & Darley, J.M. (1968). Group inhibitions of bystander intervention in emergencies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 10, 215-221. Latane, B. & Darley, J.M. (1970). The Unresponsive Bystander: Why doesn't he help?. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Latane, B., & Nida, S. (1981). Ten years of research on group size and helping. Psychological Bulletin, 89, 308-324.