What is the norm that suggests that individuals will be inclined to help those who have helped them?

The norm that suggests individuals will feel an obligation to help those who have previously helped them is known as the Reciprocity Norm. This social principle is rooted in the idea that social interactions are often governed by mutual exchanges; when someone does something beneficial for another person, the recipient becomes more likely to return the favor in the future. It promotes social cohesion and encourages cooperative behavior within groups, as it fosters trust and builds relationships.

In contrast, the other concepts do not specifically address this reciprocal relationship. Equity refers to the fairness within social exchanges but does not inherently imply a cycle of helping. Altruism involves selfless concern for the well-being of others without expecting anything in return, thus lacking the element of reciprocity. Social Exchange Theory is focused on the benefits and costs of relationships rather than the automatic obligation to return help, which makes the Reciprocity Norm a more precise fit for the described behavior.