Altruism and Mindfulness in Prosocial Helping Bevaior

In this study, two hypotheses were tested: (1) Participants that have higher mindfulness rates tend to be more altruistic and (2) Participants that rate themselves higher in altruism will be morelikely to help others in the high-risk situation. In order to test both hypotheses, 241 participants were given a survey and given a hypothetical scenario about helping in two different risk situations. In the first hypothesis, participants with higher mindfulness rates did not show significantly higher altruistic tendencies. In the second hypothesis, participants that ratedthemselves higher in altruism were not statistically more likely to help others in the high-risk situation. Furthermore, research and alternative explanations are considered.

The CSUSM Library Award for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate sophistication and originality in research projects and creative works, and reflection upon the research/creation process. Up to six prizes will be awarded in three categories: Creative Works, Empirical Research and Interpretive Analysis. Winners receive a cash prize and public recognition of their excellent work. Submissions by individuals or groups will be considered in the following three categories: Creative Works, including, but not limited to, an art installation, software program, musical composition, film or video, special project, etc. Empirical Research, including, but not limited to, research conducted with qualitative or quantitative methodologies using the (social-) scientific method. Interpretive Analysis, including, but not limited to, analysis which aims to capture hidden meaning and ambiguity of a cultural artifact.