What is the impact of group size on bystander intervention?

The impact of group size on bystander intervention varies depending on the situation.

Research suggests that the presence of others can lead to diffusion of responsibility, where individuals feel less personal responsibility to intervene in an emergency situation. This effect is known as the bystander effect, and it is more likely to occur in larger groups. For example, in the classic study by Latané and Darley (1968), participants were less likely to intervene when they thought there were other people present who could also help.

However, the impact of group size on bystander intervention can also depend on the nature of the emergency situation. In some cases, larger groups may actually increase the likelihood of intervention. For example, in a study by Levine et al. (2005), participants were more likely to help when they were in a group of strangers rather than alone, in situations where the emergency was less clear-cut.

Overall, the impact of group size on bystander intervention is complex and can depend on a range of factors. It is important to consider the specific situation when trying to understand why people may or may not intervene.