Abstract

This study examined the effects of perceived socioeconomic status on helping behaviors. Past research on factors related to helping indicate that perceived socioeconomic status will affect likelihood of helping. Social class is important to individuals helping behavior because they can create an identity based solely on the social class. The class identity created includes its own culture and norms. Helping behaviors are potential norms in social classes. We administered a survey to participants that contained four helping scenarios; the participants were asked what level of help they would offer to the fictional people. We predicted that the lower class individuals would be the most helpful, and middle class individuals would receive the most help. We also predicted that individuals would help those in their social class, and the lower class would receive the least amount of help. An ANOVA analysis supported only the last hypothesis.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 12-13-2016

Mentor

Jodi R. Treadway

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Psychology

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Psychology

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

16-169

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