Active learning ideas
This topic investigates the factors that lead people to help others (prosocial behaviour) or to act in ways that are harmful or indifferent (antisocial behaviour). Students explore the 'bystander effect' and the famous case of Kitty Genovese, alongside modern Australian examples. They look at the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence our decision to intervene in an emergency, such as the 'diffusion of responsibility'.
Activity 01
Students are given various 'emergency' scenarios (e.g., someone falling in a busy mall). They role-play the scene with different numbers of bystanders to see how the 'diffusion of responsibility' affects the speed of help.
What motivates individuals to help others?
Activity 02
Students recall a time they helped a stranger. They discuss with a partner whether they did it for 'altruistic' reasons (no reward) or 'egoistic' reasons (to feel good or avoid guilt).
How does the bystander effect influence intervention in emergencies?
Activity 03
Groups research a famous 'prosocial' act in Australian history (e.g., during the 2019-20 bushfires). They identify the situational and personal factors that led people to risk their lives for others.
What personal and situational factors contribute to antisocial behaviour?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
People don't help because they are 'cold' or 'uncaring'.
Students often blame personality. Teachers should use the 'bystander effect' research to show that even very kind people are less likely to help if they are in a large crowd, due to situational pressures like 'audience inhibition'.
Altruism is always 100% selfless.
Psychologists debate if 'pure' altruism exists. Using a structured debate on the 'social exchange theory' helps students explore the idea that we often help because the benefits (like feeling good) outweigh the costs.
Methods used in this brief
Group Dynamics and Social Influence
An exploration of how the presence of others affects individual behaviour, including conformity, obedience, and the impact of status and power.
8 methodologies
Attitudes, Stereotypes, and Prejudice
An investigation into the formation of attitudes, the cognitive processes behind stereotyping, and the social implications of prejudice and discrimination.
8 methodologies