Chapter 12 - Helping Flashcards
(21 cards)
Altruism
Selfishness in reverse, selflessness, like the Good Samaritan.
Social-exchange theory
The theory that we tend to exchange goods as well as love, kindness, and positive affect in ways that follow the pattern of economics (maximize gains).
Social-responsibility norm
People should help those who need help, regardless of the value of that “exchange” in the future.
Empathy-based altruism
Altruism based in trying to relieve the suffering experienced by viewing another’s suffering. Produces sensitive helping.
Reciprocity norm
To those who help us, we should return help, not harm.
Reciprocity norm: Direct
You scratch my back, I scratch yours.
Reciprocity norm: Indirect
You scratch my back, I scratch someone else’s, and someone will scratch yours.
Kin selection
Favoritism towards those who share our genes.
Social capital
The supportive connections, information flow, trust, and cooperative actions that keep a community healthy.
Bystander effect
People are less likely to help someone when bystanders are present.
Noticing
In order to help, we must first notice there is a need.
Interpreting
When we notice the signs that there might be a need for help, we must interpret them. Do I need to take action now? (This is where many fall short, interpreting the signs as non-important).
Assuming responsibility
Realizing that you are the one who needs to take action to help (not diffusing it by saying “someone else will help.”)
Time pressure
People are less likely to stop and help someone in need if they believe they are in a rush to something more important (such as in the story of the Good Samaritan).
Similarity to us
We are more likely to help someone if we interpret them as having something in common with us.
Individual differences
individual differences in helpfulness persist over time, from toddlerhood to adulthood (generally).
Network of traits
There is a network of traits (they influence each other) that predispose a person to helpfulness. For example: positive emotionality, empathy, self-efficacy, and agreeableness.
Particular situation
Personality influences how people react to particular situations. High/low self monitoring, and sensitivity, for example, are two aspects of personality that could influence a person.
Contribution of gender
Women offer help equally to males and females, but men more often will help women. Women and children are more likely to receive help.
Contribution of religion
Thinking of religion makes people more likely to help someone in their in-group, while thinking of God makes people more likely to help someone outside of their group.
Modeling
If we are altruistic and others see it, we are modeling altruism, and others are also more likely to be altruistic.
