Individual differences in moral choices: Insights from two ipsative methods

Abstract

Most research on individual differences in moral values or foundations relies on normative assessments (e.g., Likert) which may have some limitations. To complement these methods, we present two studies on moral choices relying on forced-choice (Study 1) and budget allocation (Study 2) questionnaires (i.e., two ipsative methods) to understand individual differences in the moral foundations of avoiding harm, maximizing fairness, loyalty to one's ingroup, respect for authority, and purity. Furthermore, to understand individual differences in moral choices, we examined sex differences and the role of the Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism). Maximizing fairness was chosen the most whereas in respect for authority and purity were chosen the least regardless of specific ipsative method. In addition, those who chose authority over care and fairness scored higher on all the Dark Triad traits (Study 1), men who were more narcissistic and psychopathic allocated a larger portion of their budgets to authority and purity and less to fairness and loyalty (Study 2), and women who were more Machiavellian invested more in purity. We emphasize the utility of ipsative measurement techniques to complement normative ones when trying to understand moral choices and more.