Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis

Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis

Empathy generated when person is in need - perception of being in need = perception that other person is experiencing a mismatch between current and potential state - evaluate situation based on rewards and costs - observer could adopt the perspective of the person in need

Toi and Batson - Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis Study

Psych students - played recording of their friend (with 2 broken legs in accident) - 1 group told to focus on info given - 2 group focus on emotions - this manipulated strength of empathy - manipulated 'ease of escape' (stuck at home or returning to uni next week) - far more likely to help if focused on emotions - social factor not as important

Batson et al. - Electric Shock Empathy Test

Would participants take the place of the stooge being electrocuted? - making the shock sound more painful lowered the rate of helping behaviour - appraisal of situation does occur - but empathetic concern is greater