A dizzy commuter who collapsed on a busy subway platform during rush hour was assisted by a fellow passenger, while dozens of others continued their journeys.
The passenger, carrying several heavy shopping bags, began to stagger before collapsing near the platform edge. While many commuters glanced at the fallen passenger and walked past, one local teacher rushed over to assist, helping them sit up and offering water.
When interviewed later, the teacher said: "I could see they were clearly unwell and not drunk, so it felt like the right thing to do. The cost of not helping—knowing they might fall onto the tracks—was just too high to ignore."
In contrast, a city worker who bypassed the scene explained: "The platform was absolutely packed with people. I figured someone else who was less rushed would step in. Plus, with my train arriving, I couldn't risk being late for an appraisal."
Another onlooker noted that people seemed more hesitant to help because the collapsed passenger was wearing supporters' gear for a rival football team, suggesting some bystanders was actively whispering to each other about it.
Outline Piliavin et al.’s (1969) 'Subway Samaritan' study and describe ways in which it could relate to the newspaper article above. Support your answer with evidence from the article.