Which option represents the diffusion of responsibility concept?

• A. Pluralistic Ignorance
• B. Ambiguity with the need for help
• C. Cost or fear of helping
• D. Diffusion of Responsibility

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is diffusion of responsibility: in a group, each person feels less personal obligation to act because others share in the responsibility. When many people witness something, individuals may assume someone else will intervene, so no one steps forward. This is the bystander effect in action. That’s why the option describing diffusion of responsibility best fits. The other ideas describe related but different dynamics: pluralistic ignorance is when people look to others to gauge whether something is truly an emergency; ambiguity with the need for help is about not being sure if help is needed; cost or fear of helping covers concerns about personal risk or inconvenience.