From empathy to apathy: The bystander effect

In a group, individuals feel less inclined to take action. [iStockphoto]

Imagine you're in a huge crowd of people walking down a busy street. You see a person fall to the ground nearby, would you help? Though most people instinctively say yes, research in social psychology tells a different story.

Research suggests that when you are in a group you are less likely to help. It goes further to state that with each person added to the group, individuals feel less inclined to take action.