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Helping behavior and group size: Some exploratory stochastic models
Author(s) -
Grofman Bernard
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830190402
Subject(s) - constant (computer programming) , psychology , group (periodic table) , social psychology , exponential function , statistics , computer science , mathematics , mathematical analysis , programming language , chemistry , organic chemistry
Data from previous experiments on helping behavior are reanalyzed. An exponential model in which the probability of helping behavior taking place remains constant regardless of number of bystanders appears to fit data from experiments involving noncommunicating strangers. An exponential model in which the probability of helping behavior declines as the square of the number of bystanders appears to fit data from experiments involving strangers in an emergency situation with communication possibilities. Groups of friends in an emergency situation with communication possibilities appear to coordinate behavior so as to engage in helping behavior with the same probability as single individuals. However, data points are too few to make conclusions anything other than suggestive.