Reid, A., & Happaney, K. (2024).
Ethics & Behavior, 1–21.
Abstract
We conducted a four-part study to map out the conceptual space of a diverse set of immoral items, including those that are extreme and/or intergroup (e.g. child sex abuse, genocide, slavery), with the goal of identifying attributes spontaneously used in moral judgment. In Part 1, we identified 56 immoral items. In Part 2, participants completed a similarity-based card sort task of the 56 immoral items. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) indicated that three-dimensional space was needed to capture the perceived differences among the items. In Part 3, regression analysis indicated that perceived similarity among the immoral items related to their commonness, objectivity, forgivability, and legality. In Part 4, regression analysis indicated that the configuration of immoral items corresponded to the amount of anger and disgust the items elicited and items’ perceived harmfulness. We attempt to synthesize these results and answer questions about the roles of anger, disgust, and harm in moral judgment.
The research is paywalled and a pdf is not available online. :(
The author kindly sent me a copy of the research.
Here are some thoughts:
This study delves into the intricate dimensions of immorality through a comprehensive four-part research approach. The study aimed to map the conceptual space of moral transgressions, including extreme examples such as child sex abuse, genocide, and slavery. Employing a unique methodology, the researchers used an unrestrained similarity-based card sort task combined with multidimensional scaling (MDS) to capture participants' intuitive moral judgments. By analyzing 56 immoral items, they identified three key dimensions necessary to capture the perceived differences among these transgressions. The findings revealed that the perceived similarity of immoral items was linked to critical attributes such as commonness, objectivity, forgivability, and legality. Additionally, the study found that the configuration of these items closely correlated with the levels of anger and disgust they elicited (moral emotions) as well as their perceived harmfulness (harm appraisal). This research aligns with the intuitionist approach to moral psychology, which posits that moral judgments are made quickly and intuitively, with justification following the initial judgment. Through their innovative methodology, Reid and Happaney provided valuable insights into the psychological foundations of moral judgments and the nuanced ways humans perceive and categorize immoral actions.
