After reading an account of a man who runs inside a burning building to rescue two strangers who have succumbed to the smoke, a friend wonders out loud what compels people to risk their lives for the sake of others

Having overheard him, you decide to explain some possible reasons why people engage in such behavior. Be certain to clearly define altruism and explain its roots. Discuss how psychologists explain altruistic behavior toward kin and nonkin. Explain how bystander intervention has been studied in the laboratory, and what has been learned about the effects that the situation has on helping behavior.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Researcher C. Daniel Batson suggests that there are four forces that prompt people to act for the public good—altruism, egoism, collectivism, principlism. There are many things that influence altruism, including the fact that we seem to be more willing to be altruistic toward some kin (relatives) than toward other kin. We also act altruistically toward complete strangers at times. The bystander effect is influenced by aspects of the situation, such as the numbers of people who potentially could take responsibility. Diffusion of responsibility occurs when more than one person is potentially available to help. Directly asking for help can forge a bond between the victim and a bystander that helps overcome diffusion of responsibility.