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Belief Updating About Moral Norms: Does Group Identity Matter?

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  • Dickinson, David L.

    (Appalachian State University)

  • Villeval, Marie Claire

    (CNRS)

Abstract

We investigate how group identity affects belief updating about moral norms. Using a Belief Updating task, we found that individuals follow a cautious version of Bayesian updating. Group identity itself does not directly affect belief updating. However, when given an information signal about the truthfulness of a normative statement that is dissonant with one’s perceived norm, individuals differ in their resistance to updating beliefs. This difference depends on whether the statement reflects moral norm judgments from people with the same or different political affiliation, and whether the signal supports or opposes honesty. This highlights the importance of understanding how one updates beliefs regarding moral norms, and how the group identity of those making normative judgments can be an important consideration.

Suggested Citation

  • Dickinson, David L. & Villeval, Marie Claire, 2025. "Belief Updating About Moral Norms: Does Group Identity Matter?," IZA Discussion Papers 17892, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17892
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    online experiment; group identity; belief updating; social norms; cheating;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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