Revisiting the Role of Morality in Offender Decision Making

• In Event: Decision Making of Criminal Justice Actors

Abstract

This study aims to extend research on morality and offender decision-making. Integrating insights from Criminology and Psychology, we distinguish two forms of morality, global and situational. We investigate these issues with surveys that randomly vary two types of moral primes. Internal primes are part of the offending opportunity, whereas external primes are not. The findings provide insights on how these distinct but interrelated moral considerations influence offending behavior.

Authors

• Shaina Herman, University at Albany - SUNY School of Criminal Justice

• Greg Pogarsky, State University of New York, University at Albany