Our moral choices are foreign to us

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Moral Psychology
• Linguistics

Background:

• Moral intuitions are considered fundamental to human decision-making.
• Previous research suggests language influences moral judgment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the foreign language effect on moral dilemma resolution.
• To explore factors influencing this effect and its underlying mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of moral dilemma scenarios presented in native versus foreign languages.
• Examination of participant willingness to sacrifice one life to save five.
• Investigation of contextual factors and psychological mediators.

Main Results:

• Participants were more willing to sacrifice one person to save five when using a foreign language compared to their native tongue.
• The foreign language effect was robust across different contexts.
• Severity of negative consequences influenced decision-making.

Conclusions:

• The foreign language effect in moral dilemmas is a reliable phenomenon.
• Increased psychological distance and reduced emotional response likely explain this effect.
• Language proficiency and emotional processing play key roles in moral decision-making.