“Proof under reasonable doubt”: Ambiguity of the Norm Violation as Boundary Condition of Third-Party Punishment

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/ak8sj
• Publication Date: 2021-11-26T15:32:26Z
• Authors: Daniel Toribio-Fl...; Julia Sasse; Anna Baumert
• Keywords: Situational ethics

In six studies, we consistently observed costly third-party punishment (3PP) to decrease under ambiguity of the norm violation. Our research suggests that, ambiguity, some people experience concerns about punishing unfairly. Those with higher (vs. lower) other-oriented justice sensitivity (Observer JS) reduced 3PP more pronouncedly (in Studies 1-3 and 4b, but not replicated in 4-5). Moreover, those who decided resolve (hence, removing risk unfairly) exceeded no (Study 4). However, did observe these unfairly affect We further considered whether could use as justification for remaining passive – thus, avoiding costs 3PP. find conclusive evidence supporting this notion. Taken together, entails a situational boundary that sheds light on prevalence behavior and, potentially, its preceding decision-making.