Responses to People in Need

Bystander apathy: refers to the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help in emergency situations when other people are present compared to when they are alone. This is explained by diffusion of responsibility.
In contrast, the ‘Bystander Effect’ implies that individuals tend to take action and provide assistance when they notice unattended needs in their social environment and perceive themselves to be the only ones available to respond.

Altruism

Altruism denotes a selfless concern for the well-being of others. It can be partial or impartial.
Various theories have been proposed to explain altruistic behaviour, including kin selection theory, reciprocal altruism, and costly signalling theory.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person often prompts a helping response.
Mood: Both positive and negative mood states can influence helping behaviour. Happiness or guilt can increase the likelihood of prosocial behaviour.
Perceived similarity: People are more likely to help others whom they perceive to be similar to themselves.

Social norms greatly influence responses to people in need and vary significantly between different cultures.
In collectivist cultures, there is a higher emphasis on group harmony and collective welfare, which often leads to more helping behaviours.
In contrast, individualistic cultures may stress self-reliance, making it less likely for people to seek or offer help.

Remember, the understanding of human behaviour is complex and multifaceted, and these points represent broad patterns rather than universal rules.