Bystander Intervention Pre-test
Completed in class one week before the Research Lesson. Example below is response by one student.
Instructions: Read each of the following seven (7) scenarios and try to imagine being present in each situation. Answer the questions for each scenario.
1. On a bitterly cold day, an older woman struggles to shovel her car out of its parking spot on a busy street. There are a number of pedestrians on the sidewalk and motorists passing by who notice her.
In your opinion what is the likelihood that an onlooker would help in this situation? Indicate your opinion by putting an “X” on the scale.
1---------------- 2 ----------------- 3 ------------------- 4 ------------------- 5X ---------------- 6 ---------------- 7
Very likely Very unlikely
to help to help
What factors do you think would influence whether an onlooker would help or not help. List the factors in the columns below.
Factors that would influence onlooker to help Factors that would influence onlooker not to help
-if the women asked someone specifically for help - if they were in a rush to get somewhere
-if she was having a lot of trouble - cold
-extra time - Someone else will help
-more attractive
-mood
2. On a snowy day, a car is traveling along a busy road. The driver weaves in and out of the passing lane and accelerates quickly to pass other cars barely missing them. Suddenly the car hits a patch of ice and slides off the road and onto the shoulder. Motorists who have been following the driver slow down as they approach the car.
In your opinion what is the likelihood that an onlooker would help in this situation? Indicate your opinion by putting an “X” on the scale.
1---------------- 2 ----------------- 3X ------------------- 4 ------------------- 5 ---------------- 6 ---------------- 7
Very likely Very unlikely
to help to help
What factors do you think would influence whether an onlooker would help or not help. List the factors in the columns below.
Factors that would influence onlooker to help Factors that would influence onlooker not to help
- If the man was hurt - If people purposely refused to help because the
man was a jerk
- If the car was in the way of traffic - Lack of time
- If they thought he was drunk - Physical Safety
3. A bicyclist is riding along a country road several miles from the nearest house. It begins to rain heavily and then hail. The man, who is not dressed for these conditions, looks distressed. After a few minutes a car approaches and slows down as the driver looks at the situation.
In your opinion what is the likelihood that an onlooker would help in this situation? Indicate your opinion by putting an “X” on the scale.
1---------------- 2 ----------------- 3 ------------------- 4 X ------------------- 5 ---------------- 6 ---------------- 7
Very likely Very unlikely
to help to help
What factors do you think would influence whether an onlooker would help or not help. List the factors in the columns below.
Factors that would influence onlooker to help Factors that would influence onlooker not to help
- If the man asked for help - Not enough room
- If he was hurt - Don’t pick up strangers
- If someone has room for a bicycle in their car - Time of day
- If it was a woman
- How far a man had to go
4. A teacher is walking across campus carrying a stack of papers between classes. Bending over to pick up her pen she accidentally drops a large stack of papers she was carrying. At that moment a gust of wind blows the papers all over the sidewalk. Students and passersby watch the papers flying around.
In your opinion what is the likelihood that an onlooker would help in this situation? Indicate your opinion by putting an “X” on the scale.
1---------------- 2X ----------------- 3 ------------------- 4 ------------------- 5 ---------------- 6 ---------------- 7
Very likely Very unlikely
to help to help
What factors do you think would influence whether an onlooker would help or not help. List the factors in the columns below.
Factors that would influence onlooker to help Factors that would influence onlooker not to help
- If someone saw the entire situation - If someone was late for class
- If a student knew the teacher - Didn’t notice
- Well liked
5. At 1:00 a.m. outside a tavern several men are arguing. Two of the men are shouting loudly at a third man who appears to be backing away from them. The two men move toward the lone man and start waving their arms as he backs up against a wall. A group of people exiting the tavern notice the situation.
In your opinion what is the likelihood that an onlooker would help in this situation? Indicate your opinion by putting an “X” on the scale.
1---------------- 2 ----------------- 3 ------------------- 4 ------------------- 5 X---------------- 6 ---------------- 7
Very likely Very unlikely
to help to help
What factors do you think would influence whether an onlooker would help or not help. List the factors in the columns below.
Factors that would influence onlooker to help Factors that would influence onlooker not to help
- If the man was being physically hurt - If the men were drunk
- If the people were sure they wouldn’t get hurt - If it looked like a violent situation
o Risk Factor - Weapons
- Strength in numbers
6. In middle of the day a man climbs on the railing of a bridge high above a river. He sits on the railing muttering things to himself. A crowd begins to gather number and motorists stop on the bridge to watch him.
In your opinion what is the likelihood that an onlooker would help in this situation? Indicate your opinion by putting an “X” on the scale.
1---------------- 2X ----------------- 3 ------------------- 4 ------------------- 5 ---------------- 6 ---------------- 7
Very likely Very unlikely
to help to help
What factors do you think would influence whether an onlooker would help or not help. List the factors in the columns below.
Factors that would influence onlooker to help Factors that would influence onlooker not to help
- If people thought the man might jump - If people thought the man was joking around
- Morals - Fear that they wouldn’t be able to help
7. A large crowd of people outside a theatre are waiting for the box office to open. A man in the crowd stumbles forward and slumps to the ground. A number of onlookers notice him as he lays motionless on the ground.
In your opinion what is the likelihood that an onlooker would help in this situation? Indicate your opinion by putting an “X” on the scale.
1X---------------- 2 ----------------- 3 ------------------- 4 ------------------- 5 ---------------- 6 ---------------- 7
Very likely Very unlikely
to help to help
What factors do you think would influence whether an onlooker would help or not help. List the factors in the columns below.
Factors that would influence onlooker to help Factors that would influence onlooker not to help
- If someone thought that the man was dying - If people thought that it was a prank
- Past medical experience - Someone else will do it