Provide a rationale for why no one came to the aid of Kitty Genovese before she was murdered.

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Almost 40 people witnessed the murder of Kitty Genovese, but it took almost 20 minutes for someone to call to police. Most psychologists feel that the bystander effect came into play. Because there were many witnesses, each felt that someone else would act. Additionally, due to the number of witnesses, a diffusion of responsibility occurred. Thus, each witness felt less responsible for acting to save Genovese. Some of the witnesses also claimed that they did not understand what was occurring, believing the murder to be a lover’s quarrel. Thus, they did not perceive it as an emergency and therefore did not respond with helping behavior.