In a 1968 experiment, students from Columbia University were asked to complete a questionnaire in a room. Some students worked alone, while others were divided into groups with two strangers. Then smoke was led into the room. Students who were alone and often looked around noticed the smoke almost in a second, whereas students who sat with others took a longer time. This happened because in many cultures, it is impolite to stare at other people. As a result, people with companions pay more attention to themselves instead of looking around at others. In contrast, people are more likely to observe their environments and notice someone in trouble when they are
In a 1968 experiment, students from Columbia University were asked to complete a questionnaire in a room. Some students worked alone, while others were divided into groups with two strangers. Then smoke was led into the room. Students who were alone and often looked around noticed the smoke almost in a second, whereas students who sat with others took a longer time. This happened because in many cultures, it is impolite to stare at other people. As a result, people with companions pay more attention to themselves instead of looking around at others. In contrast, people are more likely to observe their environments and notice someone in trouble when they are