Author Question: The crowded sidewalk is coated with ice. You feel a sharp pain and hear a cracking sound when you ... (Read 46 times)

mckennatimberlake · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

The crowded sidewalk is coated with ice. You feel a sharp pain and hear a cracking sound when you fall. You know that you've broken your leg. How might you overcome the bystander effect to ensure that you get help from passersby?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss the role of media in helping.

What will be an ideal response?

beccamahon · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: First, make sure that people notice you; you might call out loudly so that they will see and hear you. Second, you need to make sure that they interpret the event as an emergency; instead of simply calling for help, you might shout that you have broken your leg and cannot get up. Third, you need to make individuals feel personally responsible for helping; you might try to single out someone (a man would be better in this situation calling for heroic assistance) who looks capable of helping you, try to make eye contact and say, Sir, will you please help me? I've broken my leg. Fourth, you might make it clear what kind of assistance is called for; tell people specifically to call 911.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Several studies have shown that playing prosocial video games and listening to music with prosocial lyrics increases actual helping after the experimental session was over. It's likely that the media increased individuals' empathy toward those in need and increased the accessibility of thoughts about helping others.