Moral Perception Research Articles

Reconceptualizing selective moral disengagement mechanisms as continuums of moral influence: a theoretical expansion

Abstract Mass communication researchers have applied Bandura’s selective moral disengagement (SMD) concept in diverse contexts to explain audiences’ acceptance of moral violations and reduced condemnation. Recent updates to moral psychology—specifically the application of social intuitionist theories—challenge SMD’s underlying assumptions, necessitating a reconceptualization. In this article, we incorporate modern social intuitionist theories of moral judgment into SMD’s underlying assumptions. We further propose a two-stage moral signal detection process consistent with current decision-making theory in order to explain how SMD reflects a modulation of both moral condemnation and moral commendation. Building on these extensions, we reconceptualize SMD’s eight original mechanisms as expanded continuums of moral influence applicable to diverse forms of moral perceptions and moral judgments. This reconceptualization of SMD removes unnecessary boundary conditions, improves the internal consistency of the theory, and can begin to resolve scholarly disagreements. We conclude the article by providing concrete suggestions for future empirical research.

Perceived mental illness is associated with judgments of less agency, yet more moral wrongness

For a set of 10 conditions (e.g. homosexuality, obesity, drug addiction), we explored associations between moral judgments, agency evaluations, and perceptions that a condition is a mental illness. In a preregistered study ( n = 1,249 U.S. adults), we found that perceptions of lower agency were associated with decreased moral wrongness judgments, as well as increased perceptions of mental illness, yet perceived moral wrongness was the most robust predictor of perceived mental illness. In other words, although perceived mental illness was associated with evaluations that tend to be morally exonerating (such as less control and greater difficulty changing), we observed positive associations between wrongness judgments and perceived mental illness. We also found that—at least within our set of conditions—political conservatives tended to evaluate conditions as more controllable, more morally wrong, and more of a mental illness, yet on the whole, ideology was not a reliable predictor of perceived mental illness. Instead, liberals and conservatives with similar wrongness evaluations tended to similarly ascribe mental illness. These findings raise questions about potential causal relationships between mental illness perceptions and moral evaluations and the possibility that perceived moral wrongness might sometimes contribute to perceptions that a condition ought to be considered a mental illness.

From verbal to physical violence: the different severity perception of stalking behaviors

Stalking is a global spread phenomenon consisting in harassing, annoying, unwanted, and intrusive behaviors, often considered regular in courting. These behaviors are part of the broader range of gender-based violence. In accordance with the theory of ecological systems, this study aimed to investigate the presence of gender differences in the perception of the severity of stalking actions, considering the role of the type of violence perpetrated (physical versus verbal) and the relationship between the author and victim (Resentful ex-partner, Incompetent suitor rejected, Neighbor in dispute). The results showed gender differences in the main dimensions investigated by the questionnaire (Moral Disengagement, Normlessness beliefs, Empathy, and Perception of the Severity of Stalking). In addition, the results show that the perception of severity is influenced by the type of relationship and the type of violence perpetrated, differently between men and women. Results were discussed based on the development of literature on the topic.

Judging the guilt of the un-guilty: The roles of “false positive” guilt and empathy in moral character perception

When people accidentally harm others, some theory anticipates that expressing normatively unexpected (“false positive”) guilt is socially functional because it signals a positive moral character and likability. Although previous evidence shows anticipated effects of false positive guilt on these outcomes, it is possible these effects result from perceiving aspects specific to empathy (vs. guilt). We address this possibility in three preregistered studies. Participants answered questions regarding their perceptions of agents of accidental harm. In Experiment 1 (N = 299), agents that expressed guilt (vs. no guilt) received higher moral character and likability ratings; mediation evidence suggested these effects resulted via perceptions that the agent experienced empathy-specific (e.g., concern, understanding), not guilt-specific (e.g., self-blame) sentiments; if anything, guilt-specific sentiments reduced some moral character evaluations. Experiment 2 (N = 503) was a conceptual replication with more ecologically valid methods; it provided similar conclusions. Experiment 3 (N = 653) crossed an agent's expression of guilt-specific sentiments (present vs. absent) with empathy-specific sentiments (present vs. absent). Main effects of empathy-specific sentiments on moral character and likability judgments were at least seven times larger than those attributed to guilt-specific sentiments. Additionally, when empathy-specific sentiments were expressed, the expression of guilt-specific sentiments had no positive effects on moral character and likability judgments; however, when empathy-specific sentiments were not expressed, the expression of guilt-specific sentiments enhanced some but not all moral character judgments. We discuss how our findings contribute to understanding the social benefits of expressing false positive guilt and cohere with some impression formation perspectives.

Signaling outrage is a signal about the sender: moral perceptions of online flaming

Abstract Most flaming research addresses explanations for and the immediate effects of flaming on those engaging in and targeted by flaming. However, online interactions are increasingly visible, suggesting that understanding third-party evaluations of flaming is important. By integrating considerations in computer-mediated communication theorizing with the social-perceptual effects of online moral outrage, we explore how third-party observers evaluate flaming, also assessing beliefs about the signaling social function that flaming serves. In seven experiments (total N = 3,178), we manipulated the intentionality of triggering events and compared flaming to other types of online responses (less-toxic criticism; supportive), measuring reactions including moral regard, comment approval, and positive/negative engagement. Findings suggest that flaming may sometimes act as exculpable moral outrage when responding to egregious behaviors. However, contrary to participants’ beliefs, flaming does not reliably or persuasively influence perceptions of those whom it targets; rather, it mostly appears to send negative signals about the flamer.

The moderating role of perceived health risks on the acceptance of genetically modified food.

The public perspective on genetically modified foods (GMFs) has been intensely debated and scrutinized. Often, discussions surrounding GMF tend to revolve solely around the potential health risks associated with their consumption. However, it is essential to acknowledge that public perceptions of genetically modified foods are multifaceted, encompassing environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and economic implications. This paper studies the factors predicting GMF acceptance employing the representative sample of the Czech population (N = 884, aged 18-90 years, M ± SD: 48.17 ± 17.72; 53.40% women, 18.04% with higher education). The research relies on the Behavioral Change Model and the Health Belief Model. We employ hierarchical ordinal regressions to study the effects of information, environmental concerns, perceived health risks, food habits, purchasing habits, and socio-demographics on GMF acceptance. The results suggest that the (un)willingness to purchase GMF is primarily driven by the health risks - the environmental concerns were largely unimportant. The impact of information provision on GMF acceptance proved positive, suggesting information and education to be the main channels of creating public acceptance. The intrinsic interest regarding information related to GMF had an adverse impact on the perception of GMF morality. The benefits of the GMF proved unrelated to the GMF acceptance, indicating the gap in the information campaign. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, public health professionals, and market researchers to communicate the GMF agenda effectively to the general public.

What promotes residents’ donation behavior for adaptive reuse of cultural heritage projects? An application of the extended theory of planned behavior

The adaptive reuse of cultural heritage (ARCH) is a sustainable heritage management method based on the principle of the circular economy. In response to the financial challenges ARCH faces in its promotion of the sustainable development of circular cities, this study explores the potential of resident donations as a largely untapped source of funding for ARCH projects and the factors influencing residents’ related intentions and behavior. We used partial least squares structural equation models to extend the original theory of planned behavior (TPB) to include policy perceptions, moral perceptions, and heritage awareness. A survey of 2038 residents in Nara Prefecture revealed that perceived behavioral control, behavioral intentions, and moral perceptions are significant positive predictors of residents' actual donation behaviors. Additionally, policy perception and attitudes toward behavior, along with subjective norms, also positively influence the intention to donate. Notably, heritage awareness significantly facilitates the conversion of intentions into actual behaviors. The extended TPB model proves significantly more effective than the original in predicting donation intentions and behaviors. The findings of this study provide insights for policymakers, encouraging a participative approach in cultural heritage management to achieve a virtuous cycle of cultural heritage conservation, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable cities.

Navigating the Gray Zone: Accountants' Perceptions of Tax Morality Among Brazilian Micro-Entrepreneurs Facing Simples Nacional Exclusion

Navigating the Gray Zone: Accountants' Perceptions of Tax Morality Among Brazilian Micro-Entrepreneurs Facing Simples Nacional Exclusion

EXPLORING MORAL DEVELOPMENT AND ETHICAL UNDERSTANDING IN CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES: A STUDY OF TEACHING ETHICS AND AKHLAQ IN SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION

This study investigates the moral development and comprehension of ethics and akhlaq (moral virtues) in children with learning disabilities, particularly focusing on the influence of educational practices and environmental interactions. Utilizing a sample of 15 primary schoolers from Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Kuantan, aged 8 to 12 years, with disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia, the study employs the Piagetian method, children evaluation, and teacher assessments to explore ethical understanding and behavior. The research integrates principles from Islamic teachings, Western ethics, and developmental psychology, particularly drawing on theories from Piaget, Vygotsky, Gardner, and Bandura. Findings reveal nuanced moral perceptions among the children, with their judgments in given scenarios reflecting a combination of autonomous morality and the age-related cognitive shift in understanding actions based on intentions and consequences. The study also highlights the effectiveness of creative and adaptive teaching methods, including psychomotor activities, in enhancing moral understanding in children with learning disabilities. Teacher evaluations indicate the impact of school curriculum and individualized teaching methods on instilling ethical values. Despite its limited sample size and challenges in maintaining a controlled environment, the study provides valuable insights into the moral development of children with learning difficulties, suggesting the need for tailored educational strategies and community involvement in moral education. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of ethical development in special needs education and underscores the importance of considering cognitive, social, and environmental factors in teaching ethics and akhlaq to children with learning disabilities.

"Well You Know...": Parents' Perceptions of Morality in AAA Youth Ice Hockey

Parents’ involvement patterns serve as a catalyst to their children’s moral development (Bandura, 1991). Yet, sport culture may convolute parents’ authentic ability to socialize their children’s moral development within a compliant structure focused on performance excellence (Hughes & Coakley, 1991). The purpose of the current study was to examine how parents conceptualize morality while entrenched in a conformity-driven elite youth ice hockey environment. The following research question was explored: how do parents ascribe meaning to, and learn the behavioral representations of, moral and immoral behaviors in youth ice hockey? Parents’ (N = 8, Mage = 53.13) perspectives of morality and immorality were explored within the culture of elite youth hockey through individual semi-structured interviews. A transcendental phenomenological approach was implemented to identify both textural and structural experiences parents used to derive their perceptions of morality and immorality in youth ice hockey (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Results exemplify how normative standards socialized through various dimensions of hockey culture obscured parents’ perceptions of morality and immorality through “relatively conscious” acceptance of socialized norms. Findings highlight the socialization processes that parents use to develop their conceptions of morality by overconforming to the normative standards valorized through the youth hockey sport ethic (Hughes & Coakley, 1991). The “relative consciousness” findings reflected how parents transformed their moral conceptions paralleled with youth hockey culture’s delineation of moral norms and values (Burry & Fiset, 2022; Hughes & Coakley, 1991).

Parasocial relationships with morally ambiguous media characters – the role of moral foundations

Parasocial relationships are examined in diverse contexts and with various media characters, from news presenters to fictional movie heroes. A popular character trope in recent productions is the morally ambiguous media character (MAC). MACs disrupt the dichotomy between hero and villain, simultaneously exhibiting moral and immoral behavior. MACs attracted the attention of researchers, but little is known about parasocial relationships with them. This study examines these relationships by applying a multidimensional morality approach. The five moral domains of care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and purity are considered for the media character and the viewers. The role of these moral domains in parasocial relationships with morally ambiguous media characters was examined through an online survey (N = 250). The results show that moral behavior generally and moral behavior in care, fairness, and loyalty increased the strength of parasocial relationships, regardless of the viewer’s moral foundations. The characters’ behavior in authority and purity did not influence the viewers’ general morality perception nor their parasocial relationships with them. The study contributes to the existing literature about MACs by considering viewers’ parasocial relationships, their moral foundations, and the perceived morality in each of the five moral domains.

The moral superiority of temporal (vs. social) comparisons

AbstractBrands often encourage consumers to compare themselves to two types of standards: other people (i.e., social comparisons) and their own past (i.e., temporal comparisons). Although research has drawn many parallels between these two self‐comparisons, relatively little work has examined how they diverge. Moreover, existing research on their differences focuses on individuals engaging in—rather than brands encouraging—different self‐comparisons. The present research identifies moral perceptions as one critical dimension on which brand‐elicited temporal and social comparisons differ. Four studies find that evoking downward social (vs. temporal) comparisons undermines brand morality perceptions and, consequently, brand evaluations and choice. Providing preliminary insight into the mechanism, when brands evoke downward social (vs. temporal) comparisons, consumers perceive them as promoting status‐seeking behavior, which mediates morality judgments. Furthermore, the effects of comparison type are eliminated among consumers with stronger status motives—those who are less prone to condemn status‐seeking behavior. Altogether, these findings reveal a lay belief in the moral superiority of downward temporal (vs. social) comparisons and the downstream consequences for brands that elicit such comparisons.

Generalized morality culturally evolves as an adaptive heuristic in large social networks.

Why do people assume that a generous person should also be honest? Why do we even use words like "moral" and "immoral"? We explore these questions with a new model of how people perceive moral character. We propose that people vary in the extent to which they perceive moral character as "localized" (varying along many contextually embedded dimensions) versus "generalized" (varying along a single dimension from morally bad to morally good). This variation might be partly the product of cultural evolutionary adaptations to different kinds of social networks. As networks grow larger, perceptions of generalized morality are increasingly valuable for predicting cooperation during partner selection, especially in novel contexts. Our studies show that social network size correlates with perceptions of generalized morality in United States and international samples (Study 1) and that East African hunter-gatherers with greater exposure outside their local region perceive morality as more generalized compared to those who have remained in their local region (Study 2). We support the adaptive value of generalized morality in large and unfamiliar social networks with an agent-based model (Study 3), and in experiments where we manipulate partner unfamiliarity (Study 4). Our final study shows that perceptions of morality have become more generalized over the last 200 years of English-language history, which suggests that it may be coevolving with rising social complexity and anonymity in the English-speaking world (Study 5). We discuss the implications of this theory for the cultural evolution of political systems, religion, and taxonomical theories of morality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

A qualitative exploration to understand consumers' meat preferences in an emerging market through the TPB model

PurposeThis paper investigates the factors and how they lead to meat choice decisions based on preferred slaughter practices. The literature has established the role of psychological factors and morality perception in meat choice decisions. However, it explores how consumers' behavioural intention is impacted towards alternative meat when consumer guilt is activated in different cultural settings.Design/methodology/approachThis study included in-depth interviews with consumers from India's emerging market due to its multicultural dimension and diverse religious beliefs about meat consumption. The authors conducted 17 interviews to explore antecedents towards non-halal meat choices.FindingsUtilizing the Theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper explores research gaps related to meat consumption preferences based on preferred slaughter practices in an emerging market context. The findings uncover and add to understanding meat preferences in varied cultural contexts that affect consumer choices. The authors advance the current understanding of TPB from the perspective of behavioural intention toward non-halal meat.Practical implicationsThe study's findings have significant implications for all the organizations/outlets dealing with non-vegetarian food products, whether packaged or fresh and for meat sellers.Originality/valueThe study is unique in identifying the meat choice preferences based on slaughter practice through the extended prism of TPB. The market chosen for this study is one of the biggest consumer markets and its growing continuously.

More Than Meets the Eye: The Unintended Consequence of Leader Dominance Orientation on Subordinate Ethicality

Leaders play a pivotal role in establishing ethical norms and behaviors within organizations. Across seven studies (three in the Supplementary Information), we explore how subordinates infer their leader’s moral character outside the domain of ethical conduct and document this process’s downstream consequences. Specifically, we focus on the dual-strategies theory, which posits that leaders exert influence and obtain deference via two broad orientations of behaviors and cognitions: dominance and prestige. In a field setting of employees and their managers, we find that leader dominance orientation positively relates to subordinate self-reported unethical behavior, whereas leader prestige is negatively related to the same. In a second sample of working adults, we use a time-lagged study design to show that leader dominance (prestige) positively (negatively) relates to subordinate-reported unethical behavior at work partly because of a belief that the leaders engage in more (less) unethical behaviors, which contributes to a belief that norm-violating behaviors are more (less) acceptable within teams under dominance- (prestige-) oriented leaders. Finally, across four experimental studies, we observe that participants assigned to a dominance-oriented (versus prestige-oriented) leader perceived their leader as having lower moral character and expressed a greater likelihood of engaging in unethical behavior. We also document actual unethical behavior for monetary gain. This effect was mediated by the belief that unethical behavior was normative within the team. Our results highlight the importance of moral (mis)perception by demonstrating the consequences of a leader’s hierarchical orientation on subordinate ethical perceptions and behaviors at work. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.15640 .

Exploring moral perception and mind uploading in Kazuo Ishiguro's ‘Klara and the Sun': ethical-aesthetic perspectives on identity attribution in artificial intelligence

Literature wields a profound influence on our cognitive processes, shaping not only how we think but also what we think about. Aesthetic experiences, in particular, seem to foster a positive impact on our ability to comprehend complexity. This influence underscores the significant role of literature in the exploration of value learning and ethics research, because evaluating any decision-making requires seeking the widest possible frame of reference. Furthermore, literature plays a pivotal role in enriching our perception of both the external world and our inner selves, thereby fostering a heightened sense of ethical discernment. In this paper, I explore this last idea by examining Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun. In this enquiry, I reveal connections between two crucial controversies surrounding mind uploading: the epistemological debate centered on the theory of moral perception and the ontological inquiry into personal identity. Researching the intersection of these two big issues guide my decision to employ conceptual synthesis as the methodological framework. Besides, I will argue that the ideas of moral perception and personal identity that emerges in Ishiguro's dystopia are in tune with the narrativist hypothesis of Charles Taylor. In my conclusions, I defend that prospect of replacing a human being with a robot hinges on the challenge of instilling the machine with a unique moral perception. This remains an elusive goal, perhaps perpetually so, due to the inherent impossibility of objectifying a machine capable of apprehending and processing the non-objective qualities of matter. Furthermore, even if we were able to create such a machine, it would likely resist assuming a substitutive role, as it would quickly discover and appreciate its own existence. Finally, I ponder the implications of mistaking a simulation of human for an authentic replica, namely, an unsuccessful and unnoticed attempt at mind uploading—loneliness.

What Attentional Moral Perception Cannot Do but Emotions Can

Jonna Vance and Preston Werner argue that humans’ mechanisms of perceptual attention tend to be sensitive to morally relevant properties. They dub this tendency “Attentional Moral Perception” (AMP) and argue that it can play all the explanatory roles that some theorists have hoped moral perception can play. In this article, I argue that, although AMP can indeed play some important explanatory roles, there are certain crucial things that AMP cannot do. Firstly, many theorists appeal to moral perception to explain how moral knowledge is possible. I argue that AMP cannot put an agent in a position to acquire moral knowledge unless it is supplemented with some other capacity for becoming aware of moral properties. Secondly, theorists appeal to moral perception to explain “moral conversions”, i.e., cases in which an experience leads an agent to form a moral belief that conflicts with her pre-existing moral beliefs. I argue that AMP cannot explain this either. Due to these shortcomings, theorists should turn to emotions for a powerful and psychologically realistic account of virtuous agents’ sensitivity to the moral landscape.

Attending to the Moral Meaning of Pain

In addition to a physical and emotional experience, pain is also a morally infused experience with deep, often subconscious, meaning for many sufferers. Whether justified or not, for many people, pain may represent loss, judgement, unworthiness, abandonment, punishment, and even existential suffering and thoughts of death. The moral meaning of pain is what influences the associated experiences of stigma, loneliness, and guilt that contribute to suffering. It is why nurses and other healthcare practitioners have long adhered to a moral obligation to treat those with pain, implying a duty to attempt to make right the wrong of undeserved suffering. Yet the moral meaning of pain is rarely discussed and is often overlooked when establishing a relationship with and a treatment plan for a person with pain. It is the unattended moral meaning of pain that may contribute to unnecessary suffering, futile treatment, and even moral dilemmas in establishing care. In this paper, I explore the definition of morality itself, the moral meaning of pain, and its implications for care. I discuss how moral pluralism in contemporary society contributes to various moral perceptions that influence a person's pain experience and how their pain is treated. Finally, I make the case that using a narrative approach to intentionally look for moral meaning in an individual's pain story may reveal opportunities for more effective pain management options.

Moral paragons, but crummy friends: The case of snitching.

Loyalty to friends is an important moral value, but does that mean snitching on friends is considered immoral? Across six preregistered studies, we examine how loyalty obligations impact people's moral evaluations of snitching (i.e., turning in others who commit transgressions). In vignette and incentivized partner choice paradigms, we find that witnesses who snitch (vs. do not snitch) are seen as more moral and as better leaders (Studies 1-6), regardless of whether they snitch on a friend or an acquaintance (Studies 1-3). We find that a willingness to turn in one's friends increases perceived morality, while an unwillingness to do so diminishes it, with the latter effect exhibiting a stronger impact than the former (Study 2). Our experiments also demonstrate that snitches receive less moral credit when snitching on nonmoral (vs. moral) transgressions (Study 3) and when snitching aligns with self-interest (Study 4). We demonstrate that although snitching is often seen as morally right, turning in transgressors entails important reputational trade-offs: Snitching makes one appear disloyal and a bad friend but boosts perceptions of morality and leadership. This reveals a context in which what is loyal is no longer considered moral. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Moral Perception as Imaginative Apprehension

Moral Perception as Imaginative Apprehension