Final answer:
Competence plays a critical role in informing prosocial behavior, as it equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively help others, as illustrated in the example of a medical professional providing life-saving assistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Competence is a factor that influences prosocial behavior by enabling individuals to act effectively based on their skills, knowledge, and abilities. Prosocial behavior involves actions intended to benefit others, and competence allows individuals to recognize situations where help is needed and to provide appropriate assistance.
An example demonstrating the relationship between competence and prosocial behavior is a medical professional who notices someone having a heart attack in a public space. Given their training and experience, the professional has the competency to administer CPR or provide other medical assistance. Their competence not only informs them of what to do but also instills the confidence to perform the needed actions effectively, thereby acting in a prosocial manner.
In contrast, someone without medical training may still have the desire to help but might lack the competence to provide effective assistance. Hence, competence enhances an individual's ability to engage in prosocial behavior meaningfully and beneficially.