The social psychology of moral judgment: An empirical study of social influence and intergroup dynamics

Morality plays an important role in social life. However, very little social psychological research has been dedicated to the examination of perceptions of morality and moral judgment. This dissertation research examines the social psychology of moral judgment in a series of five empirical experiments.; The first two experiments empirically tested the situational factors influencing perceptions of morality. In the first experiment, consequences (negative vs. positive) were predicted (and found) to influence whether a behavior is categorized as a moral infraction. The same behavior resulting in negative consequences received more moral disapproval than when it resulted in positive consequences. In the second experiment, social norms were predicted their moral beliefs with the majority of their peers. Results also suggest moral beliefs and the specific application of these beliefs. The manipulation resulting in change in moral beliefs did not affect judgments regarding specific behaviors, and manipulating moral disapproval of specific behavior did not significantly affect general moral beliefs, further informing theoretical research examining lack of consistency between moral ideals and behavior.; Experiments 3 through 5 tested the role of morality in intergroup dynamics. Experiment 3 tested the prediction that individuals will be less likely to morally condemn or derogate an ingroup member than an outgroup member. Experiment 4 was tested the extent to which individuals use morality to maintain ingroup superiority and distinctiveness from outgroups, and Experiment 5 tested the prediction that moral derogation is used to discredit alternative viewpoints to one's own. The results of Experiments 3 through 5 were not consistent with predictions. In Experiment 3, the three-way interaction was opposite to that predicted. Moral derogation was directed more towards an ingroup member offending an outgroup member. Experiment 4 and 5's analyses were nonsignificant. Potential explanations for these outcomes are discussed. While it is difficult to draw conclusions from Experiments 3 through 5, the results suggest preliminary support for the role of morality in intragroup dynamics. Moral judgment may be used to influence ingroup members to conform to norms and expectations.