Psychology

Volume 4, Issue 4 (April 2013)

ISSN Print: 2152-7180   ISSN Online: 2152-7199

Google-based Impact Factor: 1.81  Citations  

Thou Shalt Not Steal: Effects of Normative Cues on Attitudes towards Theft

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DOI: 10.4236/psych.2013.44062    5,115 Downloads   7,960 Views  Citations

ABSTRACT

In this study, we examine how normative cues influence attitudes towards theft. In a 3 × 2 × 2 within-subjects design (N = 120), we found that people had more negative attitudes towards theft when: 1) a higher value item was stolen than when a lower value item was stolen; 2) the theft took place in a public setting than when it took place in a private setting; and 3) the theft took place in a tidy rather than messy setting. Furthermore, our findings showed interaction effects between the value of a stolen item and 1) the cleanliness of the environment; and 2) the privateness of a setting, on attitudes towards theft. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Share and Cite:

Groot, J. , Abrahamse, W. & Vincent, S. (2013). Thou Shalt Not Steal: Effects of Normative Cues on Attitudes towards Theft. Psychology, 4, 438-444. doi: 10.4236/psych.2013.44062.

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