Neural and Linguistic Considerations for Assessing Moral Intuitions Using Text-Based Stimuli

Abstract

This review takes a focused look at neural and linguistic considerations for assessing moral intuitions using text-based stimuli. Relevant neural correlates of moral salience, emotional processing, moral emotions (shame and guilt), semantic processing, implicit stereotype activation (e.g., gender, age, and race stereotypes), and functional brain network development (the default mode network and salience network) are considered insofar as they relate to unique considerations for text-based instruments. What emerge are not only key considerations for researchers assessing moral intuitions using text-based stimuli but also considerations for the study of moral psychology more broadly, especially in developmental and educational contexts.

Keywords:

• Moral intuitions
• text-based stimuli
• implicit stereotype
• gender
• moral foundations theory
• psycholinguistics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brandon L. Bretl

Brandon L. Bretl is currently a visiting assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he teaches courses in educational psychology and conducts research focused on adolescent moral development.