Morality and the Bystander Effect

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What determines the degree of culpability in an action?

The reaction of bystanders at the scene

The emotional state of the individual

Awareness of the action as wrong, yet freely chosen (correct)

The legal consequences of the action

Which factors contribute to the bystander effect?

The location of the incident

Legal obligations of the bystanders

Previous history with the victim

Level of bystanders' hurry (correct)

Which emotion is considered to have high arousal and positive valence?

Sadness

Contentment

Ecstasy (correct)

Irritation

What is a common emotional effect that can lead to narrow judgment?

Anger Signup and view all the answers

What can cause a bystander to feel unsure about helping a victim?

Perceived ambiguity of the situation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of negatively valenced emotions?

Joy Signup and view all the answers

What is an illustration of morality that demonstrates a conflict between feelings and right action?

Cutting in line at a store Signup and view all the answers

What can be a result of strong emotions on decision-making?

Regretful decisions Signup and view all the answers

What primarily determines one's moral and legal responsibilities?

The situational behavior and circumstances involved Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates a factor influencing helping behavior in bystanders?

The level of connection between bystanders and the victim Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about emotional arousal is accurate?

High arousal negative emotions can include panic Signup and view all the answers

What effect do strong feelings typically have on decision-making?

They can lead to regretful decisions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'valence' in emotions?

The pleasantness or unpleasantness of an emotional experience Signup and view all the answers

What psychological concept is associated with the idea that free will is an illusion?

Determinism Signup and view all the answers

What can be a bystander's perception that hinders their willingness to help?

Ambiguity in the victim's need for help Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response tends to narrow one's mindset in judgment situations?

Urgent anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Morality and Action

Moral action can contradict personal feelings, desires, and preferences.
Morality is not solely determined by feelings; consider the example of cutting in line.
Moral and legal responsibility depends on the specific actions and circumstances involved.
Deterministic philosophers believe free will is an illusion, and external forces govern thoughts and actions.
Culpability varies; full culpability arises when a person fully understands an action's wrongness and freely chooses it.
Culpability is linked to action understanding and freedom of choice.
The Kitty Genovese case highlights the bystander effect.

Bystander Effect

The bystander effect is explained by diffusion of responsibility and pluralistic ignorance.
Bystander behavior is influenced by:
- Bystander urgency
- Relationship with the victim
- Relationship with other bystanders
- Perceived ambiguity of the situation
- Personal fear for safety
- Prejudice towards the victim (or belief the victim is an outgroup member)
- Victim's level of dependency
- Victim's perceived responsibility
- Bystander's physical capacity

Emotions

Emotions are feelings that involve physiological arousal, behavioral reactions (e.g., laughter, running, frowning), facial expressions, and subjective experience.
Emotions have valence (pleasant or unpleasant).
- Positive valence: happiness, joy, pleasure, contentment
- Negative valence: sadness, anger, worry, feeling upset
Emotions also have arousal levels:
- High arousal positive: ecstasy, excitement
- Low arousal positive: contentment, tranquility
- High arousal negative: rage, fury, panic
- Low arousal negative: irritation, boredom
Strong emotions can lead to poor decision-making.

Emotional Influences on Judgment

Emotions narrow our focus and create a narrow mindset.
Past emotional states (mood congruent memory) influence current judgments.
Background emotions (from unrelated events) can influence thinking and decision-making.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the concepts of morality, moral action, and the bystander effect, highlighting how personal feelings can clash with moral responsibilities. It discusses factors influencing bystander behavior and the implications of culpability in moral decision-making. Test your understanding of these important social and ethical issues.