The Effects of Chivalry and Group Size on

Chivalry • A “cultural script prescribing the preferential treatment of women by men in

Chivalry Findings • More offers of assistance were found when a stranded driver was

Chivalry and Helping • Connecting factor of responsibility • Chivalry: cultivates responsibility to intervene

Diffusion of Responsibility • As group size increases, the less likely or more slowly

Our Hypothesis!!! • Low chivalry more influenced by group size • High chivalry more

Step 1: Subject Variable • Sample Items: Chivalry Scale (α =. 86) - A

Step 3: Measure Helping • Participant (N = 30 males) taken to room to

Results β p Group (G) . 37 . 05 Chiv (C) -. 35 .

Interpretations - Alone: situational pressure = help - 3 others: situational pressure = don’t

Future Research • Self-esteem research (chivalry contingency) • Agentic versus Virtuous women • Chivalry

Sound File • Sound played to participants over intercom

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The Effects of Chivalry and Group Size on Helping Behavior Jessica Heun Nathaniel Moore

Chivalry • A “cultural script prescribing the preferential treatment of women by men in the contexts of protection and provision” (Altermatt, 2001).

Chivalry Findings • More offers of assistance were found when a stranded driver was female (Simón, 1976). • Men are in general less aggressive and more helpful towards women than towards men (Eagly & Steffen, 1986; Eagly & Crowley, 1986). • Confusion arises when women perform chivalrous acts towards men (Ventimiglia, 1982).

Chivalry and Helping • Connecting factor of responsibility • Chivalry: cultivates responsibility to intervene in an emergency situation • Presence of others: counteracts that responsibility (diffusion)

Diffusion of Responsibility • As group size increases, the less likely or more slowly any one bystander will provide assistance. • Epileptic Seizure Study (Darley and Latane, 1969)

Our Hypothesis!!! • Low chivalry more influenced by group size • High chivalry more resistant to outside pressure

Step 1: Subject Variable • Sample Items: Chivalry Scale (α =. 86) - A man has an obligation to protect a woman who is in danger (Altermatt, 2001). Attitude toward Women Scale (α =. 77) - Women should worry less about their rights and more about becoming good wives and mothers (Spence, Helmreich, & Stapp, 1974).

Step 2: Manipulate Group Size • Cover Story – Sign up Sheets and Backpacks

Step 3: Measure Helping • Participant (N = 30 males) taken to room to complete questionnaire. • Recording of the accident is played (timing begins). • 3 minute window

Results β p Group (G) . 37 . 05 Chiv (C) -. 35 . 046 Cx. G . 04 . 81

Interpretations - Alone: situational pressure = help - 3 others: situational pressure = don’t help - 1 other: situation ambiguous = personality factors become more influential - Greatest chivalry effect (difference = 1. 823 minutes)

Future Research • Self-esteem research (chivalry contingency) • Agentic versus Virtuous women • Chivalry in women? • More than 3 minute window for helping

Questions?

Sound File • Sound played to participants over intercom