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Power Moderates the Effects of Social Dominance Orientation on Punishment: An Experimental Analysis

Heering, Maria Sophia, Leone, Luigi (2019) Power Moderates the Effects of Social Dominance Orientation on Punishment: An Experimental Analysis. Psychological Reports, 122 (1). pp. 201-218. ISSN 0033-2941. (doi:10.1177/0033294118755095) (KAR id:79854)

Abstract

In this study, it was hypothesized that experimentally manipulated levels of power would moderate the association of dispositional social dominance orientation (SDO) with preferences for harsh punishment. In particular, we expected to detect a stronger effect for dispositional SDO in the low-power condition, relying on the notion that low power enhances sensitivity to threats to the status quo, and that high SDO individuals are particularly motivated to enforce hierarchy-enhancing measures as punishment. SDO scores were measured two months prior to the experiment, and then immediately after the experimental session. As expected, preexperimental SDO interacted with the power manipulation. We found stronger preexperimental SDO effects on punishment among low-power participants. We also anticipated and found that individuals high in SDO increased further their postexperimental SDO scores if assigned to a high-power condition. The discussion focuses on the importance of SDO effects among low-status groups and on how situational roles shape dispositional self-descriptions.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1177/0033294118755095
Uncontrolled keywords: Social dominance orientation, social dominance theory, power, punishment, moderation
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Maria Heering
Date Deposited: 28 Jan 2020 16:27 UTC
Last Modified: 28 Jul 2022 22:10 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/79854 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Heering, Maria Sophia.

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