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Korean Journal of Social and Personality Psychology

ISSN : 1229-0653

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Vol.25 No.4

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Can Probability Shape Moral Decisions? Probability as Psychological Distance

Korean Journal of Social and Personality Psychology / Korean Journal of Social and Personality Psychology, (P)1229-0653;
2011, v.25 no.4, pp.27-40
https://doi.org/10.21193/kjspp.2011.25.4.002



& (2011). Can Probability Shape Moral Decisions? Probability as Psychological Distance. Korean Journal of Social and Personality Psychology, 25(4), 27-40, https://doi.org/10.21193/kjspp.2011.25.4.002

Abstract

The present study proposes that probability (How likely is an event X to happen) would influence how people make moral decisions. When an event is unlikely, due to their uncertain and abstract nature, psychological distance is augmented and people construe these events in terms of general moral principles rather than attenuating situation-specific considerations. On the other hand, when an event is highly likely, psychological distance decreases, leading people to consider specific situational costs and benefits. 3 studies test these assumptions. Study 1 confirms probability as one dimension of psychological distance. Building on study 1, study 2 and 3 test the effect of probability in willingness to conduct positive and negative moral behavior. As predicted, when probability is low, people are more willing to act according to moral principles, exhibiting higher willingness for positive moral behavior and less willingness in being involved with negative moral behavior.

keywords
Psychological distance, Moral judgment, Probability, Construal level theory, 확률, 이해수준이론, 심리적 거리감, 도덕적 의사결정

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