In a series of experiments, researchers had a woman who appeared pregnant enter a busy train and observed how often passengers offered her their seats. They then repeated the scenario with one key change: when the pregnant woman entered through one door, a man dressed as Batman entered through another.

The results were clear. Over 67 percent of passengers offered their seats when Batman was present, compared to just over 37 percent when he wasn’t. But the strangest detail? Forty-four percent of the people who offered their seats reported that they didn’t even notice Batman in the first place.

Lead author Francesco Pagnini said the findings “could inform strategies to promote altruistic behaviors in daily life.”

1. Where did the experiment take place?
2. Who needed a seat on the train?
3. What kind of behavior do the scientists want to encourage?

1. Do you think other superheroes would have the same effect? What about villains?
2. What can we learn from this experiment?
3. Do you always give up your seat to someone in need?
4. What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen on the subway?