Chapter 10: Prosocial Behavior

Question 1

What is Prosocial Behavior?

Answer 1

any act performed w/ the goal of benefitting another person

Question 2

What is Altruism?

Answer 2

the desire to help others, even if it costs the helper

Question 3

What is Kin Selection?

Answer 3

the idea that the behavior that helps a genetic relative is favoured by natural selection

Question 4

What is the Norm of Reciprocity?

Answer 4

the expectation that helping others will increase the likelihood that they will help us in the future

Question 5

What is Social Exchange Theory?

Answer 5

states that much of what we do stems from the desire to maximize our outcomes & minimize our costs

Question 6

What are the three factors of Social Exchange Theory?

Answer 6

• reciprocity
• relieve personal distribution
• gain us social approvement; increased self-worth

Question 7

What is the Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis?

Answer 7

the idea that when we feel empathy for a person, we will attempt to help them purely for altruistic reasons regardless of gain

Question 8

What is the Bystander Effect?

Answer 8

the greater number of ppl who witness an emergency, the less likely anyone will help

Question 9

What 4 factors influence prosocial behavior?

Answer 9

• gender
• socioeconomic status
• culture
• religion

Question 10

What are the benefits of helping in a good mood?

Answer 10

• we interpret events in a more positive way
• helping another prolongs our good mood
• good moods increase self-attention

Question 11

What is the Negative-State Relief Hypothesis?

Answer 11

the idea that ppl help in order to alleviate their own sadness & distress

Question 12

What are the 5 steps in the Latane & Darley Model?

Answer 12

1. noticing smth is wrong
2. interpret the even as an emergency – pluralistic ignorance
3. assume responsibility (diffusion of responsibility)
4. know how to help
5. decide to implement help