How likely are people to help when they know the person in need of assistance?

The likelihood of people assisting others is generally influenced by their relationship with the individual in need. When individuals know the person who requires help, there is often a stronger emotional connection or sense of responsibility to assist. Familiarity can enhance empathy, prompting a greater willingness to act in support of friends or family.

Therefore, the correct response highlights how recognition of the individual in need typically increases the likelihood of help being offered, contrary to the idea that individuals are less likely to intervene. While there are situations where even close acquaintances may not assist for various reasons, such as social dynamics or perceived capabilities, the overarching trend in social psychology indicates that people tend to help those they know more readily than strangers.

In contrast to the identified choice, which suggests decreased likelihood, studies in social behavior frequently show a correlation between familiarity and increased assistance, reaffirming the importance of social ties in motivating helpful behavior.