| Date | November 2017 | Marks available | 22 | Reference code | 17N.Paper 2.BP.TZ0.11 |
| Level | SL and HL | Paper | Paper 2 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 11 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Discuss two or more factors influencing bystanderism.
Markscheme
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of factors influencing bystanderism.
Bystanderism can be defined as the tendency of a person not to intervene despite awareness of another person’s need.
Factors may include, but are not limited to:
• the role of the number of people available to help (for example, diffusion of responsibility, Latané and Darley, 1968)
• the informational social influence (for example, pluralistic ignorance, Latané and Darley, 1968)
• cognitive dissonance and arousal (for example, Piliavin, 1981)
• the cost benefit analysis of helping (for example, Piliavin et al., 1969)
• personality and/or social norms (for example, Oliner and Oliner, 1989)
• cultural norms (for example, Levin, 1990)
• fear of making a social blunder – social apprehension (for example, Shotland and Straw, 1976)
• the time factor (for example, good Samaritan study, Darley and Batson, 1973).
Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
• cultural considerations
• role of historical context
• methodological considerations
• empirical evidence
• arguments for the existence of altruism
• the possibility of implementing strategies for reducing bystanderism.
If a candidate discusses only one factor, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [5] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [4] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.
Candidates may address two factors influencing bystanderism in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may address a larger number of factors influencing bystanderism in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
If a candidate discusses only general issues related to bystanderism and does not address any factors influencing bystanderism, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [3] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.
