Which factor has been shown to increase helping behavior when witnessing an emergency?

Which factor has been shown to increase helping behavior when witnessing an emergency?

• A. Ambiguity in the situation
• B. Lack of identification of the victim
• C. Direct call to help a specific person
• D. High diffusion of responsibility

Answer: (C)

Directly calling on a witness to help a specific person increases helping behavior because it provides a clear, actionable cue and personalizes the obligation to act. When someone says exactly what to do and who to help, the action becomes unambiguous and the observer feels a sense of responsibility to respond. This reduces hesitation and the diffusion of responsibility that often occurs when a situation is vague or when no one is singled out. Ambiguity in the situation makes people uncertain about whether help is needed, so they’re less likely to intervene. Lack of identification of the victim lowers personal connection and the felt obligation to act. High diffusion of responsibility spreads accountability across many witnesses, making each individual less likely to act.

Directly calling on a witness to help a specific person increases helping behavior because it provides a clear, actionable cue and personalizes the obligation to act. When someone says exactly what to do and who to help, the action becomes unambiguous and the observer feels a sense of responsibility to respond. This reduces hesitation and the diffusion of responsibility that often occurs when a situation is vague or when no one is singled out.

Ambiguity in the situation makes people uncertain about whether help is needed, so they’re less likely to intervene. Lack of identification of the victim lowers personal connection and the felt obligation to act. High diffusion of responsibility spreads accountability across many witnesses, making each individual less likely to act.