The Role of Social Influence on How Residence Hall Inhabitants Respond to Fire Alarms

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2016

Abstract

College residence halls pose a threat for a catastrophic event in the case of fire, but little research has examined potential influences on students' responses to fire alarms, particularly the role of social influence in affecting their behaviors. In the current study, residence hall inhabitants reported their knowledge about fire safety, their past behaviors in responding to alarms, and their likelihood of engaging in different behaviors in response to future alarms. Results showed that one-quarter of participants reported ignoring alarms, which also affected predictions of future behaviors. All participants indicated a high likelihood of surveying others' behaviors in response to alarms, showing the potential for social influence to play a role in evacuation.

Department

Psychology

Publication Title

Journal of College & University Student Housing

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