Activity Assignment:

Directions: Read each scenario and answer the questions below in the boxes provided (they will expand to fit your answer). All information needed to answer these questions can be found in this week's readings, along with the scenario details themselves. Try to be thorough in your answers, providing explanations and supporting evidence as necessary. Your answers should be more than one simple sentence. Aim for a few sentences or a short paragraph for maximum credit.

Scenario A: Steven's twin sister is being bullied at school. One afternoon, he sees a group of girls calling her names and trying to take her stuff. Steven steps in and confronts the girls, causing them to back off. Although he wonders if they are going to start bullying him, he feels like a hero and feels it is worth the risk to protect his sister.

1. Does Steven's behavior fit the definition of prosocial behavior? Does it fit the definition of altruism? For each, be sure to explain why or why not.

2. How would kin selection explain Steven's behavior?

3. How would norm of reciprocity explain Steven's behavior?

4. How would social exchange theory explain Steven's behavior? Give some examples of the benefits and costs of helping in this situation.

5. How would the empathy-altruism hypothesis explain Steven's behavior?

Scenario B: Carrie has been presented with the opportunity to volunteer at a local homeless shelter in downtown New Orleans. Although she feels a little out of place with the homeless population, she is happy and excited about the opportunity to meet new people and invite them to her church.

1. Based on what your textbook says about gender differences in prosocial behavior, is Carrie likely to volunteer? Why or why not?

2. Based on what your textbook says about in-group vs. out-group helping, is Carrie likely to volunteer? Why or why not?

3. Based on what your textbook says about religion and prosocial behavior, what factors will influence whether or not Carrie is likely to volunteer? Given that the homeless people are strangers to her, is she more likely to volunteer than a non-religious person?

4. Based on what your textbook says about mood and prosocial behavior, is Carrie likely to volunteer? Why or why not? What if she was in a bad mood instead?

5. According to the urban overload hypothesis, would Carrie agree to volunteer? Why or why not?

Scenario C: Bob is walking in a crowded park one day when he notices what looks like ahomeless man having a seizure on a park bench. Several other people are standing around looking at the man, but no one appears to be too concerned.

1. Based on what your textbook says about the bystander effect, is Bob likely to call for help? Why or why not?

2. How does pluralistic ignorance apply to this situation and how will it impact Bob's helping behavior?

3. What role would diffusion of responsibility play in this situation? How would it change things if Bob was the only one witnessing the seizure?

4. According to Latane and Darley's 5 decision-making steps to helping in an emergency, what factors other than the ones discussed above will influence whether or not Bob helps?

5. What evidence is there that prosocial media may increase helping behavior? What are the 2 ways that prosocial media is thought to work?

6. Do you think that simply being aware of the bystander effect would make a difference in Bob's behavior and why?