Researchers Bibb Latané and John Darley partly explained bystander "apathy" in terms of the "diffusion of responsibility" felt by participants. By this they meant that
◦ when others are available, people will often assume that someone else will help or should help.
◦ individuals differ to the degree to which they are programmed to act responsibly.
◦ the blame for apathetic behavior is best placed on the shoulders of society in general.
◦ in emergency situations, people become emotional and should not be held accountable for their lack of action.