Darley, J.M. & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

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Article Summary 2
Darey and Latane, the authors of Bystander Intervention in Emergencies: Diffusion of Responsibility, conducted comprehensive research to reveal that anyone is less likely to help if bystanders present more in an emergency. The authors reveal a historical view of the bystander effect as a social phenomenon that they explored in 1968 through an experiment. In the experiment conducted, all the participants overheard an occurrence of an epileptic seizure. While some participants believed they were observant of the emergency, others believed they were several. Darey and Latane (1968) emphasize the formation of society in expediting a study of social issues that are common in society. The authors explore the various research findings that relate to the bystander effect. According to historical research findings, most individuals realized that psychology was applicable in the process of resolving social conflict during the Great Depression.
Darey and Latane played a significant role in formulating a study of the bystander effect. The authors argue that any individual is less likely to assist others at a point of need if the number of people in emergency increases. According to Darley and Latane (1968), the idea was the original framework in bystander intervention and guidance to the experimentation of social behavior in laboratory testing. Darey and Latane (1968) analyze historical research that is relevant to enhance understanding of the bystander effect. A creation of Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) was one of the key events for the study of psychology history. The psychological field detached from the application of psychological research and principles before the establishment of the organization in 1936. During the historical era, most psychologists lacked an understanding that the psychological f...