Diffusion of responsibility is most likely to occur in which situation?

• A. A group of many people witnessing a minor accident
• B. A single person witnessing a crime
• C. A family member is present
• D. A video is recorded of the incident

Answer: (A)

Diffusion of responsibility grows when many people are around; each person assumes someone else will step in, so personal willingness to act decreases. In a group of many witnesses to a minor accident, the situation is spread across the crowd, and individuals feel less personal pressure to help because they expect others to intervene or to take charge. This is the hallmark of the bystander effect in crowded settings.

In contrast, a single observer feels the entire burden of responsibility and is more likely to act. A family member’s presence can heighten the sense of obligation due to kinship, increasing the likelihood of helping. A video recording doesn’t inherently create this shared sense of responsibility and thus doesn’t produce the same diffusion dynamic as many bystanders.