Herd behavior influence on decision-making during evacuation process: an empirical analysis from building evacuation experiments

Increasing evidence has shown that the dynamics of human behavior, especially herding, play a crucial role in evacuation decision-making and path selection during emergencies. However, little is known about how and under what conditions herding behavior affects emergency evacuation. To address this, building evacuation drills were conducted, followed by statistical analysis and text mining based on questionnaires and interviews. The experimental results revealed that herding behavior was particularly evident at critical points, such as exits and intersections, primarily driven by individuals seeking more information during evacuation. The statistical analysis and text mining findings showed that individual psychological factors, like personality traits and external factors, such as environmental visibility, significantly influenced the tendency to engage in herding. Herding led to individuals overlooking the most direct evacuation routes, as indicated by signs. Guidance from experienced leaders with a keen sense of direction could mitigate the adverse impacts of herding. This study provides an empirical basis for optimizing evacuation schemes and holds significant practical value for building design, evacuation drill experiences, and behavioral science research.