Individual differences in ethics positions: The EPQ-5

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Ethics
• Social Psychology

Background:

• The Ethics Position Questionnaire (EPQ) assesses individual differences in moral sensitivity.
• Previous versions of the EPQ required revision for clarity and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise and validate the Ethics Position Questionnaire (EPQ).
• To clarify the measurement of idealism (sensitivity to harm) and relativism (adherence to moral standards).
• To support a four-fold classification of ethical positions.

Main Methods:

• Confirmatory factor analysis was used to identify and verify core constructs (Study 1, N=2,778).
• Replication, model comparison, and testing for gender invariance were conducted (Study 2, N=10,707).
• Convergent and predictive validity were assessed by relating the EPQ to values, moral foundations, and ethical typologies (Study 3).

Main Results:

• The revised EPQ demonstrated a clear two-factor structure of idealism and relativism.
• The scale length was substantially reduced while maintaining conceptual clarity.
• The EPQ showed strong validity and supported the classification of individuals into exceptionists, subjectivists, absolutists, and situationists.

Conclusions:

• The revised EPQ is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring ethical positions.
• The findings clarify the constructs of idealism and relativism in ethical decision-making.
• The validated EPQ facilitates research on individual differences in ethics.