Helping Pro-social behaviour & altruism Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is the “Selfish gene view” of altruism?
It revises Darwin’s theory to suggest survival of the fittest gene, not just the individual.
What does the formula c < b × r represent in kin selection theory?
Altruistic behavior will thrive if the cost (c) to the altruist is less than the benefit (b) to the recipient multiplied by their genetic relatedness (r).
What is the r value in genetic relatedness for siblings?
0.5
Who are we predisposed to help according to kin selection theory?
Those with whom we share a greater degree of genetic relatedness.
What is social exchange theory in the context of prosocial behavior?
Helping behavior is motivated by maximizing benefits and minimizing costs.
What is the reciprocity norm?
The expectation that we help those who have helped us, even if not genetically related.
What three factors make it more likely for someone to help under the reciprocity norm?
Recognizing the person, proximity for returning favor, and having resources to help.
What does Reactance Theory suggest about receiving help?
It may reduce one’s perceived freedom, possibly reducing the desire to return a favor.
Define prosocial behavior.
Any action intended to benefit another, regardless of motive.
Define altruism.
Helping another intentionally without expectation of external or internal reward.
What is the empathy-altruism hypothesis?
We help out of genuine concern when we feel empathy, not for self-benefit.
What is the aversive arousal reduction explanation of helping?
Helping reduces unpleasant empathic distress.
What is empathy-specific punishment?
Helping due to a learned sense of guilt or obligation tied to high empathy.
What did the Stroop/empathy task reveal?
High empathy makes people focus more on the victim than on personal gain or appearance.
What is empathy-specific reward?
Helping to relieve one’s own sadness caused by empathy.
How do gender differences influence helping behavior?
Women help those they know in long-term relationships; men help strangers in emergencies.
Who are men more likely to help?
Women, especially in emergency or risky situations.
How does mood affect helping behavior?
Good mood increases helping; sadness can increase helping unless blame is directed outward.
What is the negative-state relief hypothesis?
People help to alleviate their own sadness.
How does rural upbringing influence helping?
People raised in small communities may be more friendly, neighborly, and trusting.
How does urban overload affect helping behavior?
Overstimulation in cities may cause people to shut down and overlook others in need.
Name two ways to increase helping behavior.
- Increase likelihood of bystander intervention. 2. Use prosocial role models.
