What was the spontaneous help percentage in the Piliavin study before the model intervened?

In the Piliavin study, which focused on the bystander effect and helping behavior, the spontaneous help percentage before the model intervened was 93%. This high percentage indicates that a significant number of passengers offered help spontaneously when they witnessed an apparent emergency situation, such as someone collapsing on the subway. The design of the experiment demonstrated how people respond to emergencies based on various factors, including the perceived need for help and the reactions of others present.

The high spontaneous help percentage underscores the idea that individuals are often willing to assist others in distress when they perceive a clear need and feel they can help effectively. This finding supports the argument that situational variables play a critical role in influencing altruistic behavior, particularly in public spaces. Additionally, the presence of a model in such studies can affect the likelihood of others intervening, which further illustrates the complex dynamics of social influence and emergency assistance.