Morals for the sake of movement : Locomotion and sensitivity to norms in moral dilemmas

Cornwell, J.F.M. and Bella, A.F. (2022) Morals for the sake of movement : Locomotion and sensitivity to norms in moral dilemmas. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 101: 104322. ISSN 0022-1031

Abstract

Recent research on moral dilemmas has delineated preferences for utilitarian vs. deontological judgments along three parameters: sensitivity to consequences, sensitivity to norms, and general preferences for inaction (Gawronski et al., 2017; Körner, et al., 2020). However, research has not yet determined whether motivational differences contribute to these three parameters in moral judgment. Across two studies, using regulatory mode theory, we demonstrate that a motivation to initiate and sustain smooth movement (locomotion), independent of a motive to engage in critical evaluation and reflection (assessment), is associated with greater sensitivity to norms in moral judgments. We demonstrate this association through both a chronic measure of individual differences (Study 1), and through a preregistered experimental induction (Study 2). Implications of our findings for moral judgment and motivation are discussed. © 2022