Critically evaluate the extent to which bystander behaviour has shaped social psychology theory and research.
Description
Consider the historical and cultural context of ‘moral panics’ regarding bystander non-intervention. The story of the ‘Good Samaritan’ tells us something about the time it was reconstructed in later years– the Samaritan helped because he was good and out of the ordinary with ‘normal’ people not helping.
Re-evaluate the ‘classic’ bystander studies that are still prevalent in social psychology textbooks. These studies highlight the dangers of the group and how the presence of others can undermine the bonds of neighbourly concern. The theoretical assumptions and findings of these studies have, until relatively recently, remained unchallenged by psychologists.
Describe the original studies on bystander behaviour to help generate a critical discussion around the sociocultural context of Kitty Genovese’s murder which led to the research.
Consider the extent to which key features of the murder were selected and less relevant details dropped at the time to reflect this. You might evaluate the ecological validity of the original studies.
Describe contemporary bystander studies, which focus on more recent events, so that you might draw parallels with the original work. You can include research which has examined social and institutional environments to help frame your argument.
Consider the extent to which methods adopted by social psychologists reinforce the notion that society compromises of individuals, such as the bystander experiments
