Do you know this study - Radio theft on the Beach?

Question

It is a study that has a participant go to the beach with a radio and they put it down and another person in relation to the study comes by and steals it. The neighboring people do not do anything.

Second set of the study is set up the same way - EXCEPT

the beach goer asks the surronding patrons "could you please watch my stuff i am going to the bathroom"

the result is astounding... the unknowing people change from no action to chasing the theif down, tackling the culpraite, even offering to buy a new radio for the person when the theif got away.

any ideas?

Answer 1

Wow. Now I'm gonna remember to ask people around me to watch my stuff!

Answer 2

That study, while interesting, is a bit flawed if you ask me.  In the first scenario people may not be 100% sure that the person stealing the radio is in fact a thief.  He could be a friend, relative, etc.

In the second scenario, you take away this doubt because you specifically asked the person to watch your stuff.  Therefore, there is absolutely no reason why somebody would grab your radio after that.

Despite this, the study does indeed point out that people are willing to get involved if they have even the slightest connection to you.  I think humans by nature have a strong desire to help others out as long as they have some sort of connection to them.

Answer 3

Never heard of this study, but it makes sense because humans are generally caring people that when commit to something, the majority try to stay true to that commitment, but as a casual onlooker, the majority would not want to get involved and just let things slide.

Have fun