Money And Morality Essay

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Gino and Mogilner (2013) have recently conducted a correlational study highlighting the link between time, money and morality. It was found that focusing on money decreases an individuals morality, whilst focusing on time found an increase. This was measured through the percentage of cheaters on a test, after either being primed with time or money. Gino and Mogilner (2013) have suggested their findings are to do with higher or lower levels of self-reflection in which an individual experiences after time or money primes, respectively. The link between money and morality is clearly shown throughout the study, as well as the link between self-reflection and morality. Although, the link between time and morality is not as convincing, as a clear decrease in cheating is not consistent throughout all four experiments. Gino and Mogilner’s (2013) study has shown a link between time, money and morality – although not all aspects are entirely convincing.

Self-Reflection Within Time, Money and Morality
In today’s society, there is no doubt that both money and time are fundamental aspects of the modern world. Although, the concept of money and wealth seem to be focused on much more than time, and is often the catalyst for selfish and greedy behaviour (Aquino, Reed, Freeman & Lim, 2009). In the study conducted by Gino and Mogilner (2013), it was found that by shifting focus onto time rather than money, people were less likely to participate in immoral behaviour, measured by cheating in a test. Focusing on money was also shown to decrease morality, increasing the percentage of cheaters compared to the time and control primes. Gino and Mogilner (2013) have associated levels of self-reflection with this increase and decrease of cheating, being t...

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... to money and control primes. This link was not as evident, as both Experiment 2 and 3 did not highlight a clear decrease in percentage of cheaters within the time prime. A control prime would have created more clarity within the results of these experiments. Self-reflection within the study was the main form of reasoning to explain the overall link between time, money and morality. Due to well conducted experiments in relation to self-reflection, Gino and Mogilner’s (2013) study showed a convincing and very plausible link between these. The positive effects of self-reflection have also been recognised by numerous other studies (Colineau & Paris, 2010; Plonerb & Regner, 2013). Therefore, Gino and Mogilner (2013) have overall shown a link between time, money and morality, although could have improved some aspects in order to create a more convincing study as a whole.

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