The Effects of Chivalry and Group Size on Helping BehaviorJessica HeunNathaniel Moore

ChivalryA cultural script prescribing the preferential treatment of women by men in the contexts of protection and provision (Altermatt, 2001).

Chivalry FindingsMore offers of assistance were found when a stranded driver was female (Simn, 1976).

Men are in general less aggressive and more helpful towards women than towards men (Eagly & Steffen, 1986; Eagly & Crowley, 1986).

Confusion arises when women perform chivalrous acts towards men (Ventimiglia, 1982).

Chivalry and HelpingConnecting factor of responsibility

Chivalry: cultivates responsibility to intervene in an emergency situation

Presence of others: counteracts that responsibility (diffusion)

Diffusion of ResponsibilityAs group size increases, the less likely or more slowly any one bystander will provide assistance.

Epileptic Seizure Study (Darley and Latane, 1969)

Our Hypothesis!!!

Low chivalry more influenced by group size

High chivalry more resistant to outside pressure

Step 1: Subject VariableSample Items:Chivalry Scale ( = .86)- A man has an obligation to protect a woman who is in danger (Altermatt, 2001).Attitude toward Women Scale ( = .77) - Women should worry less about their rights and more about becoming good wives and mothers (Spence, Helmreich, & Stapp, 1974).

Step 2: Manipulate Group Size Cover Story Sign up Sheets and Backpacks

Step 3: Measure HelpingParticipant (N = 30 males) taken to room to complete questionnaire.

Recording of the accident is played (timing begins).

3 minute window

Results

Chart1

0.8971.25

1.1783

2.123

High Chivalry

Low Chivalry

Group Size

Reaction Time (min.)

Sheet1

Group SizeHigh ChivalryLow Chivalry

10.8971.25

21.1783

42.123

Sheet1

00

00

00

High Chivalry

Low Chivalry

Group Size

Time (min)

Sheet2

Sheet3

Interpretations - Alone: situational pressure = help - 3 others: situational pressure = dont help - 1 other: situation ambiguous = personality factors become more influential - Greatest chivalry effect (difference = 1.823 minutes)

Future ResearchSelf-esteem research (chivalry contingency)

Agentic versus Virtuous women

Chivalry in women?

More than 3 minute window for helping

Questions?

Sound FileSound played to participants over intercom