The interactive effect of implicit theory and group influence on moral belief.

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between group influence and people’s implicit theory in the conception of morality. It is hypothesized that entity theorists, who believed that moral attributes are fixed and cannot be changed, will not be influenced by other people’s moral beliefs. However, incremental theorists, who believed that moral attributes are malleable and can be cultivated, will be influenced by other people’s moral beliefs. The main prediction was not supported whereas the main effect of implicit theory was found. Entity theorists and incremental theorists differ in their conceptions of morality. The implications of the findings were discussed.