Which norm suggests a duty to assist those who rely on us, such as children?

• A. Social-Responsibility Norm
• B. Reciprocity Norm
• C. Equity
• D. Mere Exposure Effect

Answer: (A)

People are often guided by the expectation to help those who depend on them, especially when someone is vulnerable like a child. This is the social-responsibility norm: a sense of obligation to assist others in need or who rely on us, even if helping costs us time, money, or effort. It explains why parents, teachers, and neighbors step in to lend a hand. The reciprocity norm is about repaying others for what they've done for us, not the obligation to help those who depend on us. Equity focuses on fairness in proportional distribution of benefits and burdens, not the duty to assist dependents. The mere exposure effect is about increased liking from repeated exposure, not helping behavior. Therefore, the norm describing the duty to assist those who rely on us is the social-responsibility norm.