Joseph was on the subway when he noticed a man lying slumped over on the seat. Joseph looked around at the other passengers, who seemed calm and unconcerned. Joseph concluded that the man was probably okay. However, the other passengers may have been looking around at Joseph, to see how he reacted. This would be an example of __________.
A) social reciprocity
B) pluralistic ignorance
C) false uniqueness
D) conformity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pluralistic ignorance occurs when people in a group assume that no one else is concerned or alarmed by a situation, and therefore do not take action themselves. In this scenario, the other passengers may have been looking to Joseph to see how he reacted, but because he did not take action, they assumed that the situation was not serious. This is an example of pluralistic ignorance.

Joseph Was on the Subway When He Noticed a Man