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Principles and popularity: The interplay of moral norms and descriptive norms in the context of volunteerism
Author(s) -
Smith Megan K.,
Masser Barbara M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
british journal of social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 2044-8309
pISSN - 0144-6665
DOI - 10.1111/j.2044-8309.2012.02095.x
Subject(s) - psychology , popularity , norm (philosophy) , social psychology , legal norm , descriptive research , morality , social cognitive theory of morality , moral development , epistemology , sociology , social science , political science , philosophy , law
Can a moral norm be manipulated and if so, how does a manipulated moral norm interact with a descriptive norm to impact on behavioural intentions? The present research addressed these questions in three studies. Study 1a and 1b demonstrated the validity of a manipulation designed to activate a moral norm for volunteer activity. In Study 2, activating a moral norm for volunteering strengthened intentions to volunteer and inhibited intentions to conform to a descriptive norm. Conceptual and applied implications of activating a moral norm are discussed.