Currently social media is used daily by a lot of people it is important to know what influences people’s social media behavior. This study investigates which variables influence people’s sharing...Show moreCurrently social media is used daily by a lot of people it is important to know what influences people’s social media behavior. This study investigates which variables influence people’s sharing behavior of videos of someone’s misfortune. The hypotheses are based on the stereotype content model which categorizes people on warmth vs cold and competent vs incompetent. The hypothesis are researched by showing 4 videos to 150 participants. There were four different conditions, each unique for the quadrants of the stereotype content model. The results show that schadenfreude is positively related with sharing videos. Schadenfreude arises when people feel envious about the person in the video and when the misfortune is felt as deserved. Besides this, there is also more schadenfreude felt in the condition in which the persons are perceived as cold and competent rather than warm and competent. In the discussion implications and further research are discussed.Show less
Videos of someone who has an accident are frequently shared on social media, but why do people share these? We expected schadenfreude and video sharing to be related, based on the need to share and...Show moreVideos of someone who has an accident are frequently shared on social media, but why do people share these? We expected schadenfreude and video sharing to be related, based on the need to share and talk about it. In addition, we expected envy, deservedness, and expectancy to correlate with schadenfreude. We looked at the interaction of warmth and competence, to see in which quadrant of the Stereotype Content Model (Fiske et al., 2002) the most schadenfreude is experienced. We manipulated the conditions using the SCM, resulting in a two (warm, cold) by two (incompetent, competent) model. The results showed that schadenfreude is related to video sharing, envy, and deservedness, but not to expectancy. Besides this, an interaction of warmth and competence has been found on the variable schadenfreude, which shows that the warm incompetent group (e.g. elderly) and the cold competent group (e.g. wealthy people) evoke more schadenfreude.Show less
The success of groups relies on cooperation. Diversity within a group undermines cooperation. The promising solution to increase cooperation is punishment. However, studies mostly used homogenous...Show moreThe success of groups relies on cooperation. Diversity within a group undermines cooperation. The promising solution to increase cooperation is punishment. However, studies mostly used homogenous groups. The objective was to answer the question if punishments systems are effective in enhancing cooperation in diverse groups. Data for this study were collected using an online experiment where the participants had to decide how many monetary units to contribute to the common pool. Diverse groups were created by two subgroups: Democrats and Republicans. Participants were randomly divided over two conditions; in one condition the third-party punishers made a strategy applying to everyone and in the other a strategy based on group membership. The findings suggest that punishment is less effective if discrimination is possible. A recommendation for organizations is that the use of punishment in diverse groups can be effective if the receiver does not expect to be discriminated against.Show less
Community compensation may be offered in return for the adverse local costs of wind farms. In this experimental scenario study, 361 British participants took the position of a resident facing this...Show moreCommunity compensation may be offered in return for the adverse local costs of wind farms. In this experimental scenario study, 361 British participants took the position of a resident facing this hypothetical situation. They learned that the project developer had a positive or negative reputation, and that compensation was being offered by one of three approaches: voluntarily, institutionalized through law, or by a mix of the latter with local involvement in the decision regarding compensation amount. Regardless of the project developer’s reputation, it was predicted that the mixed approach would result in higher local wind farm acceptance, compared to the other approaches. The local acceptance level was expected to be moderated by reputation for the voluntary approach: with a negative reputation leading to lower local acceptance compared to the fully institutionalized approach. Finally, the effects of project developer reputation and compensation approach on local wind farm acceptance were predicted to be mediated by perceptions of bribery and local involvement. The results demonstrated that voluntarily providing compensation led to greater local wind farm acceptance than institutionalizing compensation, whilst the mixed approach did not differ from either approach. When a negative reputation was made salient, the mixed approach resulted in greater bribery perceptions than both of the other approaches. Lastly, a partial mediation indicated the importance of project developer reputation for wind farm sitings: with a positive reputation found to elicit lower bribery perceptions, higher perceived involvement, and as a result, greater overall local wind farm acceptance, than a negative reputation.Show less
The present study explores the effect of externalities awareness and Social Value Orientation (SVO) in anticommons dilemmas. Making participants of an anticommons game aware of externalities was...Show moreThe present study explores the effect of externalities awareness and Social Value Orientation (SVO) in anticommons dilemmas. Making participants of an anticommons game aware of externalities was expected to increase cooperation, by decreasing their willingnessto-accept (WTA) values, i.e. the amount they would be willing to accept in order to allow other individuals to make use of the resource. The results of the computer-based anticommons game (N = 167) did not support this hypothesis. However, the results did show, as predicted, that the more prosocial participants were, the more easily they allowed access to the resource by setting lower willingness-to-accept (WTA) values. Additionally, the hypothesized interaction effect between externalities awareness and Social Value Orientation (SVO) was not confirmed. Proselfs’ behavior did not change significantly more than prosocials’, after they got aware of the externalities. Finally, the negative effects of uncertainty in cooperation are discussed.Show less
Gentle dominance is a motive for a group with a relative higher status to seek help from a group with a relative lower status. It combines a desire to improve the relationship between the groups,...Show moreGentle dominance is a motive for a group with a relative higher status to seek help from a group with a relative lower status. It combines a desire to improve the relationship between the groups, while trying to maintain the superior position of the high-status group. This could also distract the low-status group from the status difference. We expected that in order for gentle dominance to occur, the status difference between the two groups should not be likely to change (stable) and the two groups should have to share a part of their identities (common identity). To test this, we set up an online survey in which participants read a description of a situation in which the stability and identity of a pair of high- and low-status groups was manipulated. In this scenario the high-status group had to ask for help from the low-status group. The participants (N = 212), who served as observers of this situation, had to indicate on a questionnaire to what extent different possible motives for asking for help applied to the situation. The motives were: Gentle dominance, inclusion, superiority, actual help, assistance and exploitation. For each of the six motives an ANOVA on stability and identity was carried out and no significant effects were found. We concluded that stability and identity did not have an effect on the perception of the six motives. This is possibly because participants were not directly involved in the scenario. Further research is needed on this relatively new topic.Show less
In everyday life, people have developed tendencies to either approach or avoid certain stimuli. Approach tendencies are elicited by positive stimuli, while avoidance tendencies are elicited by...Show moreIn everyday life, people have developed tendencies to either approach or avoid certain stimuli. Approach tendencies are elicited by positive stimuli, while avoidance tendencies are elicited by negative stimuli. This is called the approach-avoidance effect. In high-performance environments, approach and avoidance tendencies play a decisive role in succeeding or failing, or, in extreme cases, in living or dying. Moreover, in these environments, approach and avoidance tendencies are often present under self-relevant pressure. Hence, this research studied the effects of self-relevant pressure on approach and avoidance tendencies. Based on existing literature from the field of decision-making psychology and performance psychology, we hypothesized that we would replicate the approach-avoidance effect. Also, we expected that pressure would impair participants’ performance and would influence the approach-avoidance effect. Fifty-one participants completed the mobile approach-avoidance task (AAT), once with and once without pressure, and filled out a pressure questionnaire after each mobile AAT. In the mobile AAT, participants were shown pictures of happy and sad faces and were asked to push or pull them according to specific instructions. We indeed replicated the approach-avoidance effect (p < .001). However, our pressure manipulation was unsuccessful. Hence, participants did not perform worse under self-relevant pressure. Subsequently, we did not find that pressure influenced the approach-avoidance effect. Although most of the hypotheses were rejected due to the failed pressure manipulation, the present study is a springboard for future research on decision-making under self-relevant pressure. Finally, implications are discussed and directions for future research are provided.Show less
This study (N = 313) aimed to investigates the influence of (moral) emotional frames in an online discussion on moralization and attitude polarization. It is hypothesized that anger and disgust...Show moreThis study (N = 313) aimed to investigates the influence of (moral) emotional frames in an online discussion on moralization and attitude polarization. It is hypothesized that anger and disgust frames result in more attitude polarization than neutral frames, while anxiety frames are hypothesized to do the opposite. Felt emotions and moralization are hypothesised to mediate the effect, because experiencing moral emotions should makes people moralize an issue, which in turn can cause attitude polarization. However, the results did not support the hypotheses, as the frames did not impact attitude polarization, neither by mediation through moralization and felt emotions.. However, when conveyed emotions were used instead of the frames, anger, disgust and even fear and anxiety predicted attitude polarization through mediation by moralization and felt emotions. The results also indicate that moralization predicts attitude polarization. The study provides opportunities for future research that are elaborated on in the discussion.Show less
Research master thesis | Psychology (research) (MSc)
closed access
Minority activists benefit from the support of those advantaged in a system of inequality to alter the status quo. However, previous research suggests that members of advantaged groups often engage...Show moreMinority activists benefit from the support of those advantaged in a system of inequality to alter the status quo. However, previous research suggests that members of advantaged groups often engage in solidarity activism to bolster the moral image of their ingroup. We theorised that taking the moral high ground can be its own antecedent of collective action behaviour. In two studies, we investigated the role of group-based moral superiority in motivating collective action behaviour of solidarity activists in the Black Lives Matter movement. In Study 1 (n = 218) we examined the relationship between group-based moral superiority and both collective action intentions and activism persistence above and beyond traditional measures of collective action (i.e., SIMCA, Van Zomeren et al., 2008, 2012). In Study 2 (n = 209) we then manipulated group-based moral superiority experimentally to test whether higher levels of group-based moral superiority lead to increased collective action behaviour. Across both studies, we found support that group-based moral superiority plays an indirect role in increasing collective action intentions through stronger politicised group identification. The same indirect relationship was found for activism persistence in Study 1 but was not replicated in Study 2. We discuss implications of our findings for theory, future research directions, and practical aspects of collective action.Show less
In an online experiment we investigated the relationship between listening style on the quality of the relationship between two conversation partners. Additionally we looked at the mediating effect...Show moreIn an online experiment we investigated the relationship between listening style on the quality of the relationship between two conversation partners. Additionally we looked at the mediating effect of empathy in this relationship. One participant and one confederate had a conversation about six statements on a vegan lifestyle. The confederate used one of three different listening styles namely, active listening, neutral listening or argumentative listening, to interact with the participant who was arguing his or her point of view. The results showed that active and argumentative listening had a positive effect on the quality of the relationship between the conversation partners. This positive effect was mediated by perceived empathy. These two reactive listening styles seem to reflect empathy, and this in turn makes the other like you more as a person and conversation partner. Neutral listening didn’t seem to be preferred when being listened to. If someone is telling you a story or argues their point of view, the speaking party will really appreciate it if you are consciously listening to them, and also show this in reactions and behaviour.Show less
Although many gardeners desire a green oasis, most have a concrete jungle. This behavioral misalignment in domestic gardening is an example of the intention-behavior gap. Facilitating factors of...Show moreAlthough many gardeners desire a green oasis, most have a concrete jungle. This behavioral misalignment in domestic gardening is an example of the intention-behavior gap. Facilitating factors of this gap are poorly understood. This study aims to: 1. establish an intention-behavior gap in domestic green gardening, and 2. provide insight in impeding factors in the translation of green intention into gardening behavior. Two inertia-inducing factors were considered: goal conflict and procrastination. I tested whether intending to perform greening activities positively influences garden greening behavior when conflict between garden goals (H1) and procrastinating garden adjustments are low (H2). An online survey was distributed to garden-owners in Leiden (N=146). Multiple Response Analysis confirmed that intention mainly predicts greening behavior whilst leaving 63.6% of variance unexplained, showing a gap. Goal conflict and procrastination were not significant moderators. Strategies to increase garden greening are discussed and future research should continue studying intention-behavior gap moderators.Show less
Research master thesis | Psychology (research) (MSc)
closed access
Humans regularly face collective problems calling for cooperation. To solve such problems, people can establish public goods that require contributions from individual members and benefit the whole...Show moreHumans regularly face collective problems calling for cooperation. To solve such problems, people can establish public goods that require contributions from individual members and benefit the whole group, e.g. public health care and infrastructure. It has been suggested that in modern society people have become less dependent on the creation of public goods and more able to solve problems individually (Santos, Varnum, & Grossmann, 2017). Nevertheless, solving shared problems individually is tied to resources that are often unequally distributed between people. Inequality (Zelmer, 2003) and individualism (Gross & De Dreu, 2019) can complicate cooperation, however, their interplay is largely unknown. We confronted 50 groups (N = 200) with a public goods game with the additional option to solve a shared problem individually through a private solution. Across groups, group members had either an equal or an unequal resource distribution. The private solution allowed wealthier group members to leave the group and avoid contributing to the public good. This resulted in increased inequality. Specifically, the easier it was to opt for a private solution, the higher the inequality was. We further investigated voting preferences and fairness perceptions by having sixty-one impartial raters complete the task from a third-party perspective. The third-party players preferred a more equitable solution that would result in lower inequality. While group members dependent on the public solution voted for delegating allocation decisions to the third party, the wealthier, and thus, more independent members voted against it revealing self-serving motives. Our findings highlight unique problems emerging with self-reliance in the face of global issues, such as a pandemic and global warming, that require cooperation. Especially, when self-reliance is only affordable for some, collective action can fail and further increase wealth gaps.Show less
Research master thesis | Psychology (research) (MSc)
closed access
As the negative consequences of debts are substantial, it is important that indebted people seek and accept help. However, people in debt are often reluctant to contact the creditor and identify...Show moreAs the negative consequences of debts are substantial, it is important that indebted people seek and accept help. However, people in debt are often reluctant to contact the creditor and identify shame as a barrier. Moreover, they experience a lack of acknowledgement when communicating with creditors. Given the human need for acknowledgement and the suggestion that acknowledgement can reduce shame, the current study examined the effect of acknowledgement on indebted people’s willingness to contact the creditor and explored the role of financial shame. To this end, 206 native English-speaking people with current or past debts completed an online experiment in which they read either a standard creditor letter or a creditor letter in which the creditor acknowledged the situation of the person in debt. Willingness to contact the creditor and financial shame did not differ between participants who read a creditor letter in which their situations were acknowledged and those whose read a standard creditor letter. However, higher financial shame was associated with lower willingness to contact. We conclude that acknowledging indebted people’s situations is not enough to increase their willingness to contact the creditor. Future research could test other ways to address and reduce the financial shame.Show less
Research master thesis | Psychology (research) (MSc)
closed access
Past studies have offered conflicting findings on how wealth affects the way people behave when self-interest and fairness considerations are in conflict. The present study aimed to investigate...Show morePast studies have offered conflicting findings on how wealth affects the way people behave when self-interest and fairness considerations are in conflict. The present study aimed to investigate this conflict further by using the household task to experimentally induce the feeling of financial scarcity, then having the participants play an ultimatum game as both the proposer and responder. It was expected that people who experienced scarcity would make lower offers in the ultimatum game than those who experienced abundance. Furthermore, I hypothesized that people who experienced scarcity would accept lower offers in the ultimatum game than those who experienced scarcity. The first hypothesis was supported by the data, however the second one was not. It appears that under financial scarcity people become more motivated to serve their self-interest and are less interested in fairness considerations.Show less
Creating value is a fundamental skill during dyadic negotiations. Negotiators who ask themselves the question: ‘how can we expand the pie instead of sharing it’ reach better agreements. This...Show moreCreating value is a fundamental skill during dyadic negotiations. Negotiators who ask themselves the question: ‘how can we expand the pie instead of sharing it’ reach better agreements. This research was affected by the measurements resulting of COVID-19 and therefore partly executed the way it was intended. The experiment (N = 74) tested value creation amongst negotiations with unequal power distribution. Negotiators participated in a role playing game where they had to negotiate about four issues and had the possibility to add 3 more optional issues. The challenge to expand the pie for both players was found in the mandatory-optional paradigm, a payoff schedule specially designed for this research. Participants were divided into two benefit conditions (powerful could add more value or the powerless could add more value). Results were analyzed out of our two control conditions and showed that the powerful players reached higher outcomes than the powerless players and thus seemed better in adding more value. This however, was not found. The difference in adding more value to the agreement between the two players was not significant. Reasons, limitations and implications are discussed and suggestions for further research are proposed.Show less
Since the use of social media networks has strongly increased, people have the opportunity to easily discuss their opinions (Kim et al., 2013). Discussions on moral issues, such as abortion and...Show moreSince the use of social media networks has strongly increased, people have the opportunity to easily discuss their opinions (Kim et al., 2013). Discussions on moral issues, such as abortion and meat consumption, often take place online. In the current research (N = 310), the effect of moral emotional framing on attitude polarization was examined. It was predicted that moral emotional frames would lead to more attitude polarization compared to nonmoral frames and that this effect was mediated by moralization of the issue. Additionally, it was investigated whether a higher moral identity centrality would lead to a stronger effect of moral emotional frames on moralization. The results only partly supported these expectations. The results showed that the higher someone’s moral identity centrality, the stronger that person tends to moralize issues. Also, moralization was directly and positively related to attitude polarization. This study may serve as a solid basis for future research.Show less
Research master thesis | Psychology (research) (MSc)
open access
In public areas, people often encounter situations of close proximity to others where it is likely that an individual’s personal space (PS) gets intruded. PS is the area surrounding an individual...Show moreIn public areas, people often encounter situations of close proximity to others where it is likely that an individual’s personal space (PS) gets intruded. PS is the area surrounding an individual that includes the intimate and personal domain (within 1.50 meters of a person). We aimed to investigate the role of PS in seating behavior and to extend previous research by distinguishing an immediate PS consideration (i.e., considering PS in the immediate situation) from an anticipated PS consideration (i.e., considering PS also in a possible future situation). We conducted an observational study (N = 237), an open-ended question study (N = 40), and an experimental online study using a mixed-design (N = 325) in the context of choosing a seat in a railway station concourse. The results revealed that most participants chose a seat outside their intimate and personal domain. We concluded that people try to safeguard their PS. Furthermore, immediate and anticipated PS considerations both play a role in seating behavior; however, both are merely facets of PS rather than two exclusive concepts. With our results, we hope to extend the theory of PS as well as inform and possibly influence the design of seating arrangements to optimize people’s well-being in public areas.Show less
