Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
12-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Experimental Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Mark Winkel
Second Advisor
Dr. Darrin Rogers
Third Advisor
Dr. Jason Popan
Abstract
Observational study testing the effect a confederate has on social influence. The study examined whether overhearing a prior refusal to assist from a confederate had an influence on a subsequent person’s willingness to help in time of need. Similarity characteristics between model and participant were also examined to determine if they contributed to an increased likelihood of helping. Observation was held at the University of Texas-Pan American and consisted of 60 male participants. Participants were approached, and asked for assistance, in two separate conditions: Experimental (confederate) condition (n=30) and Control (non-confederate) condition (n=30). Assistance was determined by a participant’s willingness to assist with a vehicle’s battery. Chi-square analysis was used to examine willingness to assist between control and experimental conditions. In conjunction, an independent samples t-test was used to explore similarity characteristics. Analyses found no statistical significance for this sample.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2013 Israel Vela. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/will-confederates-initial-decline-assistance/docview/1501927201/se-2