Final answer:
Darley and Latane are associated with the theory of diffusion of responsibility within the concept of the bystander effect, where people are less likely to help in emergencies when others are present, as each person feels less personal responsibility.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option A. Diffusion of responsibility (bystander effect)
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory of Darley and Latane refers to the diffusion of responsibility, a concept that falls within the broader framework of the bystander effect.
The bystander effect is observed when individuals are less likely to help a victim when other people are present, which is often explained through diffusion of responsibility.
Social psychologists Bibb Latané and John M. Darley were pioneering researchers in defining the bystander effect, and they specifically highlighted how persons in a group setting tend to feel less personal responsibility to take action, presuming that others will step in.
As the number of bystanders increases, each person is less likely to intervene in an emergency situation because of the belief that someone else will take responsibility.
This theory was first conceptualized and investigated following the infamous case of Kitty Genovese, where bystanders reportedly did not intervene to help during her assault. Based on the research of Latané and Darley, diffusion of responsibility is the most accurate term to describe their findings, making option A the correct answer.