Which phenomenon suggests that the likelihood of help decreases as the number of bystanders increases?

The phenomenon that indicates the likelihood of help decreases as the number of bystanders increases is known as the bystander effect. This concept stems from social psychology and highlights the tendency for individuals to feel less compelled to intervene in an emergency situation when other people are present.

The bystander effect is illustrated by the idea that with more witnesses, individuals often assume others will take action, leading to a diffusion of responsibility. Each bystander thinks someone else will help, resulting in fewer people actually stepping in to provide assistance. It is critical in understanding social behavior and the dynamics that affect human interactions in group settings.

In contrast, the social responsibility principle emphasizes the expectation that individuals should help others who are in need, regardless of the number of people present. The reciprocity principle speaks to social exchanges where help is mutually beneficial, and empathy is the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. While all these concepts interact in shaping human behavior, the bystander effect specifically addresses the decreased likelihood of intervention based on the number of people present.