Which intervention increases the likelihood that a bystander will help in an emergency?

Which intervention increases the likelihood that a bystander will help in an emergency?

• A. Directly appointing a specific person to assist
• B. Waiting for others to respond
• C. Ignoring the situation
• D. Taking photos

Answer: (A)

Directly naming a specific person to assist reduces ambiguity and counters diffusion of responsibility in a group emergency. When someone is clearly assigned to act, that person is more likely to take charge and follow through because accountability is explicit, and others understand what is expected of them. In emergencies, vague appeals often lead to inaction as people wait for someone else to step forward. Merely waiting, ignoring the situation, or filming it shifts focus away from helping and can delay or prevent effective aid.

Directly naming a specific person to assist reduces ambiguity and counters diffusion of responsibility in a group emergency. When someone is clearly assigned to act, that person is more likely to take charge and follow through because accountability is explicit, and others understand what is expected of them. In emergencies, vague appeals often lead to inaction as people wait for someone else to step forward. Merely waiting, ignoring the situation, or filming it shifts focus away from helping and can delay or prevent effective aid.