1. Does Steven’s behavior fit the definition of prosocial behavior? Does it fit the definition of altruism? For each, be sure to explain why or why not.
Steven’s behavior fits the definition of prosocial behavior in that his actions are benefiting another person. His behavior is altruistic in nature, given that he will not benefit directly from confronting the girls who are bullying his sister. Instead of receiving any direct benefits, it is likely that harm may come to himself. However, I do not feel like Steven’s behavior is altruistic completely. The indirect emotional response of feeling like a hero causes a reward that can be explained by social exchange theory. “People are aroused and disturbed when they see another person suffer and that they help at least in part to relieve their own distress” (Aronson, Wilson, Akert, & Sommers, 2016, p.349). By helping his twin sister Steven can alleviate the distress he is feeling and in turn feel like a hero, making his behavior not completely altruistic, as altruistic behavior has no rewards. …show more content…
How would kin selection explain Steven’s behavior?
Kin selection could explain Steven’s behavior in that people are more likely to aid a genetic relative in cases where someone could experience harm from helping another. Since it Steven’s twin sister that is bullying, rather than a stranger, it is more likely he feels compelled to come to her aid to stop the bullying.
3. How would norm of reciprocity explain Steven’s
Steven’s behavior fits the definition of prosocial behavior in that his actions are benefiting another person. His behavior is altruistic in nature, given that he will not benefit directly from confronting the girls who are bullying his sister. Instead of receiving any direct benefits, it is likely that harm may come to himself. However, I do not feel like Steven’s behavior is altruistic completely. The indirect emotional response of feeling like a hero causes a reward that can be explained by social exchange theory. “People are aroused and disturbed when they see another person suffer and that they help at least in part to relieve their own distress” (Aronson, Wilson, Akert, & Sommers, 2016, p.349). By helping his twin sister Steven can alleviate the distress he is feeling and in turn feel like a hero, making his behavior not completely altruistic, as altruistic behavior has no rewards. …show more content…
How would kin selection explain Steven’s behavior?
Kin selection could explain Steven’s behavior in that people are more likely to aid a genetic relative in cases where someone could experience harm from helping another. Since it Steven’s twin sister that is bullying, rather than a stranger, it is more likely he feels compelled to come to her aid to stop the bullying.
3. How would norm of reciprocity explain Steven’s