Foreign language effects on moral dilemma judgments: An analysis using the CNI model

Publication date: November 2019Source: Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Volume 85Author(s): Michał Białek, Mariola Paruzel-Czachura, Bertram GawronskiAbstractAccording to the principle of utilitarianism, the moral status of an action depends on its consequences for the greater good; the principle of deontology states that the moral status of an action depends on its consistency with moral norms. Previous research suggests that processing moral dilemmas in a foreign language influences utilitarian and deontological response tendencies. However, because the two kinds of moral inclinations were confounded with general action tendencies, it remains unclear whether language effects on moral judgments reflect genuine differences in people's sensitivity to consequences and norms, or broader differences in general action tendencies regardless of consequences and norms. Using the CNI model of moral decision-making, the current research (N = 634) demonstrates that foreign language reduces sensitivity to consequences and sensitivity to norms without affecting general action tendencies. Implications for moral choices in international contexts and language effects on decision-making are discussed.

Source: Journal of Experimental Social Psychology - August 2, 2019 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research