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Consequential ethical dilemmas: The payoff-Trolley game

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  • David L. Dickinson

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel Payoff-Trolley dilemma task, where other participantsÕ payoffs were at stake on the main or sidetrack in a trolley dilemma. Different scenarios varied the number of ÒothersÕ payoffsÓ on the sidetrack and main track in ways that helped identify more clearly immoral choices of commission and omission, and utilitarian choices. Study participants had also made hypothetical Trolley dilemma choices in a separate study 4-5 years prior, allowing for a direct comparison of hypothetical and consequential moral dilemma choices. One key finding is that past hypothetical choices are statistically significant predictors of present consequential choices in the Payoff-Trolley task. Also, we find that oneÕs degree of cognitive reflection is the most robust person-specific characteristic that predicts choicesÑhigher cognitive reflection predicts more utilitarian choices, a reduced likelihood of immoral acts of commission and omission, and it impacts oneÕs sensitivity to immoral choices for a given level of net-harm present in the scenario. These results hope to bridge a gap in our understanding of how choices in hypothetical moral dilemmas inform behaviors in consequential moral dilemmas. Key Words: Moral choice, experiments, Trolley dilemma, dark personality, cognitive reflection

Suggested Citation

  • David L. Dickinson, 2026. "Consequential ethical dilemmas: The payoff-Trolley game," Working Papers 26-02, Department of Economics, Appalachian State University.
    • Handle: RePEc:apl:wpaper:26-02
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    File URL: http://econ.appstate.edu/RePEc/pdf/wp2602.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments
    • D61 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Allocative Efficiency; Cost-Benefit Analysis
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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