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Being a Good Samaritan: The Psychology of Helping

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Although most people would consider themselves a Good Samaritan, psychological and social research shows otherwise. Tracy Ross speaks with MSU professor, Dr. Michael Bordieri, on Sounds Good about the psychology of being helpful -- and why we don't do it as much as we might think. 

    The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of many age old stories used to demonstrate selflessness, kindness, and helpfulness. Being a good Samaritan is now synonymous with being a thoughtful neighbor, lending a hand to those in need, and helping others before yourself. While most people would like to assume they fall under the category of "good" Samaritan, psychological research suggests that we are not as helpful as we might like to think.
           Several situational factors, including time and population, can affect one's willingness to help their fellow man. Even in the face of criminal activity, humans can turn a blind eye if the variables of the situation don't work in their favor. Dr. Michael Bordieri, assistant professor of psychology, discusses these factors and ways of thinking with Tracy Ross on Sounds Good

Tracy started working for WKMS in 1994 while attending Murray State University. After receiving his Bachelors and Masters degrees from MSU he was hired as Operations/Web/Sports Director in 2000. Tracy hosted All Things Considered from 2004-2012 and has served as host/producer of several music shows including Cafe Jazz, and Jazz Horizons. In 2001, Tracy revived Beyond The Edge, a legacy alternative music program that had been on hiatus for several years. Tracy was named Program Director in 2011 and created the midday music and conversation program Sounds Good in 2012 which he hosts Monday-Thursday. Tracy lives in Murray with his wife, son and daughter.
Melanie Davis-McAfee graduated from Murray State University in 2018 with a BA in Music Business. She has been working for WKMS as a Music and Operations Assistant since 2017. Melanie hosts the late-night alternative show Alien Lanes, Fridays at 11 pm with co-host Tim Peyton. She also produces Rick Nance's Kitchen Sink and Datebook and writes Sounds Good stories for the web.
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