What factor did the Piliavin conclusions suggest might affect people's likelihood to help?

The conclusions drawn from the Piliavin study underline the significant impact that the type of victim has on the likelihood of receiving help from bystanders. The researchers conducted their experiment on a subway train, presenting scenarios with different types of victims, such as an ill person and a person appearing to be intoxicated. The findings revealed that bystanders were more likely to assist the ill victim compared to the intoxicated one. This demonstrates how society's perceptions of victimhood, and the associated judgments about individual responsibility, can influence people's willingness to offer help.

By identifying the type of victim as a key factor, the study highlights a crucial aspect of social psychology regarding empathy and altruism. People may be more inclined to help those they perceive as deserving or in need of assistance based on the circumstances and characteristics surrounding them, rather than simply the situational context (like economic status, location, or time of day).