Psychology Commons^™

The Effects Of Perceived Disability On The Helping Behavior Of Strangers, Alison E. Finstad

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

The study investigated the effects of perceived disability on the helping behavior of strangers. The investigators, one male and one female, appeared as either disabled or non-disabled, while unknowingly dropping their keys in front of a stranger. The investigators demonstrated three levels of need: no need/ no disability, in which the investigator did not appear in need or disabled; in need/ no disability, in which the investigator carried bags of groceries to appear "in need"; and disabled, in which the investigator used crutches and wore a leg cast. Eighteen randomly selected male and female participants were chosen based on convenience. …