The first studies of bystander behaviour were laboratory experiments by Latané and Darley in 1968. These involved the staging of non-dangerous, non-violent emergencies. These and other early studies provided support for the concept of the bystander effect (the inhibition of helping in the presence of others), which has been replicated in a variety of experimental situations.
However, the victims’ need was typically brought about by impersonally caused accidents (such as falling bookcases or non-violent crimes). Where violent situations were staged, there were minimal potential dangers. Other studies exposed participants to videotaped violence and measured only intentions to help (Levine et al. 2002). In none of these studies were the victims or bystanders in real danger. Fischer et al. (2006) wanted to demonstrate that dangerous emergencies can reduce the bystander effect.
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