Reading: Issue – Does True Altruism Exist? Yes: Batson, D., Duncan, B. D., Acke

Reading: Issue – Does True Altruism Exist?
Yes: Batson, D., Duncan, B. D., Ackerman, P., Buckley, T.,
& Birch, K. (1981). Is empathic emotion a source of altruistic motivation?
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 40 (2), 290-302.
No: Cialdini, R. B., Schaller, M., Houlihan, D., Arps, K.,
Fultz, J., & Beaman, A. I. (1987). Empathy – based helping: Is it
selflessly or selfishly motivated? Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology, 52 (4), 749- 758.
Supplemental Reading:
Darley, J. M., & Latane, B. (1968). Bystander
intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, (4), 377-383.
Written Assignment:
1. Try to think of a time when you gave assistance to
someone in need. Do you think that your behavior was altruistic, or can you think
of egoistic reasons why you may have helped? Explain.