Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

06:11
A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats
Published on: February 20, 2019
A model of altruism.
Summary
A new biography commemorates Edith Cavell, marking 95 years since her execution. This work explores her life and the historical context of her death during World War I.
Area of Science:
- Historical Biography
- World War I Studies
- Biographical Analysis
Background:
- A new biography details the life of British nurse Edith Cavell.
- The publication coincides with the 95th anniversary of her execution.
Discussion:
- The biography examines Cavell's role in aiding Allied soldiers during World War I.
- It explores the circumstances leading to her execution by a German firing squad in occupied Belgium.
Key Insights:
- Provides a comprehensive account of Edith Cavell's humanitarian efforts and sacrifice.
- Offers new perspectives on the historical impact of her execution.
Outlook:
- Encourages further research into the experiences of nurses during wartime.
- Contributes to the ongoing historical discourse on World War I figures and events.
Related Concept Videos
Altruism
Altruistic behaviors are “unselfish” behaviors—those that help another individual at the expense of the individual carrying out the behavior. Despite the negative consequences for the altruistic animal, these behaviors are thought to have evolved for several reasons.
Egoism and Altruism
Voluntary behavior with the intent to help other people is called prosocial behavior. Why do people help other people? Is personal benefit such as feeling good about oneself the only reason people help one another?
Inclusive Fitness
Most altruistic behavior—in which one animal helps another at a cost to themselves—occurs between relatives. Scientists think these altruistic behaviors evolved because they increase the inclusive fitness of the animal providing help.
Attribution Theory
Behavior is a product of both the situation (e.g., cultural influences, social roles, and the presence of bystanders) and of the person (e.g., personality characteristics). Subfields of psychology tend to focus on one influence or behavior over others. Situationism is the view that our behavior and actions are determined by our immediate environment and surroundings. In contrast, dispositionism holds that our behavior is determined by internal factors (Heider, 1958). An internal factor is an...
Empathy
Some researchers suggest that altruism operates on empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand another person’s perspective, to feel what he or she feels. An empathetic person makes an emotional connection with others and feels compelled to help (Batson, 1991). Empathy can be expressed in several ways, including cognitive, affective, and motor.
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention I
A model is a theoretical way to understand a concept or an idea. Models can overcome barriers to health regardless of diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. In addition, models make the task easier by providing different ways to approach complex issues. There are two major health promotion models: the health belief model and the health promotion model.
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...

