Variability and Belief in Karma: Perceived Life Variability Polarizes Perceptions of Behavior-Outcome Valence...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Belief in karma influences how individuals perceive the relationship between their actions and future outcomes.
• Understanding the psychological underpinnings of karma belief is crucial for explaining human decision-making and expectation formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of karma belief on subjective probabilities of future chance events.
• To examine how perceived life variability moderates the relationship between behavior and expected outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Three studies were conducted, including two experiments (Study 1a and 1b) and a study on life variability (Study 2).
• Participants' judgments of probabilities for future chance events were assessed based on hypothetical moral or immoral actions.
• Perceived life variability was measured to assess its influence on karma belief strength.

Main Results:

• Individuals perceive a causal link between moral actions and future experiences.
• Participants forecasted luckier outcomes for moral actors compared to immoral actors.
• Belief in karma was more pronounced in individuals reporting higher perceived life variability.

Conclusions:

• Karma belief shapes expectations of future events, particularly the perceived link between behavior and outcomes.
• Perceived life variability acts as a moderator, increasing reliance on karma for predictive purposes.
• These findings highlight the role of karma in cognitive processes related to uncertainty and expectation management.