An overview of major themes in altruism research during the 1969-1975 period is presented. Those problems specific to each approach, as well as problems believed to plague the bulk of current studies, are briefly described. Several areas of research (e.g., processes involved in the receiving of help) that appear particularly promising are also…

A perceiver's knowledge of a target person (T) can be seen as active, initiatory cognitive structures or conceptual schemas that guide and influence: (1) information processing about T; (2) search for and interpretation of new information about T; (3) remembrance and interpretation of previously-learned information about T; (4) social interaction…