Consequences, Norms, or Willingness to Interfere: A proCNI Model Analysis of the Foreign Language Effect in Moral Dilemma Judgment

Abstract

Previous research has provided ample evidence for an impact of language on moral dilemma judgments, suggesting higher willingness to sacrifice one person to save several others when the dilemma is presented in a foreign as opposed to the judge’s native language. In accordance with the dual-process model of moral judgment, the foreign language effect is frequently taken to indicate either decreased “deontological” norm-adherence or increased sensitivity to aggregate consequences of a decision. However, previous research has rarely investigated these supposed mechanisms directly. We applied a multinomial modeling approach to investigate the effect of language on endorsement of aggregate consequences, norm-endorsement, and inertia, while differentiating between low- and high-involvement scenarios. The results of two experiments indicate that foreign language reduces norm-endorsement. Moreover, results of an interaction analysis suggest that among high-involvement scenarios foreign language may also decrease inertia, relative to native language. Endorsement of aggregate consequences was unaffected by language. Our multinomial modeling approach thus indicates that theorizing on the foreign language effect should consider both norm-endorsement and inertia.