Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Practice Exam

According to the Bystander Effect, what is the relationship between group size and individual responsibility to help?

1. More people, increased likelihood

2. Fewer people, decreased likelihood

3. Fewer people, increased likelihood

4. More people, decreased likelihood

The correct answer is: Fewer people, increased likelihood

The Bystander Effect demonstrates that as the size of a group increases, individual responsibility to intervene or help in an emergency situation tends to decrease. This occurs because each person may believe that someone else will take action, leading to a diffusion of responsibility. In this context, the correct answer accurately reflects that with fewer people present, an individual feels a greater sense of personal obligation to assist, as there are fewer bystanders to share the responsibility. This feeling of increased personal responsibility can lead to a higher likelihood of intervention when the group size is small. Understanding this dynamic can help individuals recognize their own potential to act in situations where help is needed, irrespective of the number of others around them. In larger groups, the contrary happens—the more bystanders there are, the less each individual may feel compelled to take action, which highlights the importance of fostering a sense of personal responsibility among individuals in emergency scenarios.