You are cordially invited to the Seminar organized by the Psychology Department.
Date & Time: November 8, 2024; Friday at 12:30
Place: A-130
The presentation language will be English.
Presenter: Assoc. Prof. Onurcan Yılmaz, Ph.D., Psychology Department, Kadir Has University
Title:
Assessing the Causal Impact of Collective Threats on Moral Judgment and Behavior
Abstract:
Despite extensive research, the causal impact of collective threats like terrorism and earthquakes on moral judgment and behavior remains uncertain. Studies, primarily conducted in WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) contexts, often lack internal and ecological validity, relying on small samples, weak manipulations, isolated threats, and measures of intentions rather than actual behaviors. Our study addresses these limitations through the first preregistered investigation of mortality-related threats in ecologically valid settings.
We conducted two longitudinal studies in Türkiye to examine how threats from terrorism and earthquakes affect moral behavior and sensitivity, using incentivized public goods and dictator games alongside moral judgment scales. In Study 1, we collected data from the same participants before (N = 620) and after (N = 222) the November 2022 Istiklal Street terrorist attack in Istanbul. Study 2 tracked the same participants, collecting data three to four months before (N =1075), two months after (N = 388), and six months after (N = 232) the February 2023 Türkiye- Syria earthquakes. This timing—two to four months before each event—provided a unique scientific window. In post-tests, participants were randomly assigned to either threat prime or control conditions, completing the same measures as in pre-tests.
Results indicated a significant decrease in cooperative behavior following the terrorist attack, with causal effects. Conversely, cooperation increased after the earthquake, though causality remained inconclusive. A third measurement phase confirmed these findings, underscoring the influence of threat type and context on moral judgment.
These outcomes suggest that challenges in replicating results and establishing causality in prior studies may arise from insufficient consideration of environmental dynamics and reliance on non-ecological methods and intention-based measures. This research highlights the need to consider both threat type and context when examining their impact on moral behavior.
Note: This presentation addresses the psychological impact of recent catastrophic events in Türkiye, which may be sensitive for individuals closely affected.
Bio:
Onurcan Yılmaz completed his master’s degree at Boğaziçi University and his doctorate at Istanbul University. He is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Kadir Has University and the director of the “MINT Lab.” In 2021, he received the “Young Scientist Award Program” (BAGEP) from the Science Academy, and in 2023, he was awarded the “Outstanding Young Scientist” (TÜBA-GEBİP) and “TÜBİTAK Incentive” awards. Yılmaz has made numerous scientific contributions published in international journals. He serves on the editorial board of Judgment and Decision Making. He is also the co-author of books published in Turkish such as Sağcılığın ve Solculuğun Psikolojisi: Farklı Dünyaların İnsanları and Komplo Teorilerine Neden İnanırız?