Independent variable: manipulated

Dependent variable: measured behavior

IV(cause) > DV(effect)

INFORMATIONAL Social Influence – 

Others supply information which we use to 

make the “correct” decision 

NORMATIVE Social Influence – 

Others have expectations which we confirm 

to gain approval and to avoid disapproval

Situational characteristics: how far away is the victim? Are there other bystanders present? What’s the weather like? What is present in the environment?

Perceived cost and reward for direct intervention

Bystander characteristics: males are more likely to intervene directly, while women are equally likely just to call for help.

Victim characteristics: is it a stranger or a friend? Are they attractive? Are they sober? Between victim and bystander, there is a “we-ness”

Impulsive helping

Clear, unavoidable emergency → intense arousal → focused, narrow attentions → impulsive helping

desire to gain reward and avoid punishment; based on power

induces changes in beliefs (cognition); expertise and trustworthiness

tendency of group members to suspend critical thinking because the are striving to seek agreement

desire to be like someone; based on attractiveness

desire to be right; based on credibility (expert and trustworthy)

doing what one is told to do by people in authority

best when audience already agrees or is not intelligent

best when audience does not already agree or is intelligent