Improved model exploration for the relationship between moral foundations and moral judgment development using Bayesian Model Averaging

ABSTRACT

Although some previous studies have investigated the relationship between moral foundations and moral judgment development, the methods used have not been able to fully explore the relationship. In the present study, we used Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) in order to address the limitations in traditional regression methods that have been used previously. Results showed consistency with previous findings that binding foundations are negatively correlated with post-conventional moral reasoning and positively correlated with maintaining norms and personal interest schemas. In addition to previous studies, our results showed a positive correlation for individualizing foundations and post-conventional moral reasoning. Implications are discussed as well as a detailed explanation of the novel BMA method in order to allow others in the field of moral education to be able to use it in their own studies.

KEYWORDS:

• Bayesian statistics
• Bayesian Model Averaging
• moral foundations
• moral judgment development

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hyemin Han

Hyemin Han is an assistant professor in educational psychology and educational neuroscience at the University of Alabama. His research interests include moral development, moral education, social neuroscience and computational modeling.

Kelsie J. Dawson

Kelsie J. Dawson is completing her Ph.D. at the University of Alabama. Her academic interests focus on moral identity and empathy in the context of promoting prosocial behavior.