Several studies were conducted examining the influence of the use of photographs of a needy individual on a charity appeal for either a well‐known or lesser‐known charity organization. Results of an initial study indicated that people expected the use of a photograph to enhance the effectiveness of a door‐to‐door solicitation campaign and that a well‐known charity would fare better than a lesser‐known one in its efforts. Results of two subsequent studies involving door‐to‐door solicitations, however. indicated that the proportion of people contributing and the average amount contributed was not dependent upon either the photograph or familiarity with the charity. A final study using a passive countertop solicitation in stores did result in greater contributions when the photograph was present, whereas there was no difference due to charity familiarity. These findings are discussed in terms of image‐maintenance concerns and social pressures associated with the immediacy of a request.

This research examined observers' reactions to sexual assault victims engaging in different forms of self‐attributed responsibility. Theory and research suggests that behavioral responsibility contributes positively to the coping process of victims, whereas characterological responsibility impedes it. For observers in the present study, the expression of either type of self‐responsibility by a rape victim resulted in a more negative impression of the victim's emotional well‐being and greater attribution of responsibility to the victim in comparison to a victim relying solely on chance explanations. Moreover, this bias was evident among rape crisis counselors as well as lay observers. Discussion considered the implications of such biased perceptions for sexual assault victims and the need for a fuller understanding of the nature of self‐attributions of responsibility by victims.