# Do Binding Moral Foundations Predict a Hypothetical Moral Behavior? The Moderating Role of the Perception of the In-Group Moral Standards

## TL;DR

This paper explores how moral values influence hypothetical moral choices when group norms are threatened.

## Contribution

It shows that binding moral foundations lead to stronger moral choices when in-group standards are perceived as violated.

## Key findings

- Binding moral foundations correlate with stronger moral preferences in dilemmas when in-group norms are threatened.
- Results were confirmed in two studies with Italian participants using different methods.
- Findings suggest binding foundations can lead to positive intra-group outcomes under specific conditions.

## Abstract

Previous studies have found a positive relationship between binding moral foundations and negative inter-group attitudes. Nevertheless, some studies have shown that, under specific conditions, binding foundations can also lead to positive outcomes, particularly within the intra-group context. In this research, we hypothesize that when people perceive that some in-group members violate moral norms, individuals with stronger binding moral foundations may exhibit a greater preference for moral choices in hypothetical moral dilemmas. This hypothesis was confirmed in Study 1 (N = 184) and replicated in Study 2 (N = 201), both conducted in Italy. In Study 1, we utilized a questionnaire containing the moral foundation questionnaire, while in Study 2, we employed moral foundation vignettes. In both studies, participants were presented with five scenarios describing hypothetical moral dilemmas that could occur in real-life settings. The findings indicate that binding moral foundations can lead to stronger preferences for moral choices in hypothetical moral dilemmas when the morality of the in-group is perceived to be under threat. These results are discussed in light of their implications for future research on binding foundations.