On Our Worst Behavior: Examining the Impact of Moral Endorsements on Deviant Decisions

• In Event: Understanding Crime Choices

Abstract

To date, the study of offending and decision-making has been primarily rooted in rational choice perspectives (RCP). However, the wider study of “everyday” decision-making suggests that decision outcomes are not determined solely by cost-and-benefit analyses, but also by emotions, including uncertainty and our commitment to personal values. The current study uses the frameworks of Moral Foundations Theory and Least-worst decision-making to examine tendencies for deviance and decision-making in the face of uncertainty. Findings from this study indicate that differing levels of moral domain endorsements and competing morals impact not only whether someone chooses a deviant course of action, but also how long it takes to make a decision and the levels of difficulty, confidence, and power experienced during the decision-making process.

Authors

• Lisa M. Thompson, Kennesaw State University

• Neil D. Shortland, University of Massachusetts Lowell