RECD: May 2025B

Background

Here, we’re trying the castro paradigm that (somewhat) worked in the previous pilot. But now, we’re changing the measures. We wrote up our own set of dominant behaviors, inspired by Maner and Case (2016). We think these capture dominant behaviors a little better than the cheng dominance scale.

Eligibility

Let’s see who passed the attention check

is_elg	N	Perc
0	14	6.97
1	187	93.03

That gives us a total of 187 eligible participants.

Demographics

Race

race	N	Perc
asian	16	8.56
black	19	10.16
hispanic	9	4.81
multiracial	9	4.81
white	131	70.05
NA	3	1.60

Gender

gender	N	Perc
	1	0.53
man	84	44.92
woman	99	52.94
NA	3	1.60

Age

age_mean	age_sd
39.75138	11.32936

Education

edu	N	Perc
GED	39	20.86
2yearColl	26	13.90
4yearColl	84	44.92
MA	28	14.97
PHD	8	4.28
NA	2	1.07

Income

Measures

Message

Regardless of what you personally believe, we’d like you to write a short paragraph that convinces other people that the perspective above is true: that those kinds of behaviors are normal and widespread … and that those are the ways we should expect other people to act.

Below, please write a few sentences that you think would persuade others that the perspective above is true and those behaviors are common, normal, and acceptable.

cond	message
high	Everyone is only concerned with their own well-being and is willing to do anything to get themselves ahead of others.
low	In order to get ahead in life, you need to have honesty, kindness and help others. These are pillars of people who have made it far in life and considered ‘successful’ but the normal definition of it. If you notice, anyone famous or with a lot of money would have these qualities. If you asked them as well, they would state these things which is proof that people are fundamentally cooperative and helpful when they have these qualities.
high	No one is going to look out for you. In order to succeed you need to be greedy, selfish, and always put yourself first. If you see something you want, go out and grab it. Don’t worry about other people’s feelings.
high	We have reptiliain brains in us so we have the urge to look out for ourselves, be deceitful and cunning and sneaky. We choose not to put God first and think with our higher selves, so we listen to the news, we consume information through a screen and don’t think for ourselves and how we are are beautiful children of God. Instead, we backstab, lie, cheat because we program ourselves to be this way. But there’s a way out my friends. God.
high	We have known since Thomas Hobbes that people are selfish and cutthroat. That’s why we try to restrain people with all sorts of rules. Of course it doesn’t always work. If it did, Donald Trump would not now be POTUS. So yeah, the way to get ahead is by looking out for #1.
low	Deep down everyone is kind and helpful. People are naturally good natured and are willing to to do good for others. It is natural to help someone in need.
high	The way humans work is they always want to get ahead of each other. History shows this as a fact following a history book you will see tons of deceit ,aggression and actions that can only be seen as selfish.
high	People need to be as competitive as possible in today’s world. There are fewer opportunities. There are less resources all around. People who do not do whatever it takes to meet their wants and needs will be left behind.
low	Despite what we often hear in the news, most people are cooperative and genuinely want to help others. Everyday examples—from strangers holding open doors to communities coming together in times of criss .
high	People are selfish. You know this is true because when you are faced with a choice that will benefit you but requires that you hurt someone else, you will take that option because you know you will benefit in the end. You want to succeed and you don’t care whether people get hurt because it will benefit you and make you money and success.
low	In society, throughout time, people have been helpful to one another in order to survive and to build community. It reigns true down time and generations as individuals want to recieve help when in need and would like to be treated kindly. Because of this fact, people act kind and help others to promote that kindness and help to come back to them. Overall, people want to live in a positive society where people get along and respect one another.
low	Without cooperation between people the world would have already ended as we know it. While there have always been selfish people, the helpers and the kindest people have always been the glue holding us together. We all know of an example of someone stepping up to help others and how much good that did.
high	Personal success has endless possibilities provided you have great leadership to mentor you along your journey. We are so truly lucky to have such an incredible leader, who leads our country and shows just how much personal ambition can be achieved as long as we put our needs at the forefront. We need to always put forth the best intentions for ourselves and will need to cut down people and processes along the way in order to get what we want. Follow the lead of our current administration and you too can be incredibly successful.
low	While we often hear that people are only out for themselves, the reality is that most people are honest and helpful towards others. This shouldn’t be surprising. Civilization and society couldn’t exist if this wasn’t true to some extent. When you get out and actually meet people you will find that most are generally kind and honest. Unfortunately, those who are not, and are a small percentage of the population tend to garner a greater share of media attention.
high	It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and the current state of the U.S. is proof. We’re facing a recession, housing costs are higher tha never meanwhile the minimum wage hasn’t been raised in years. And the rich just keep getting richer. Do you know how much more money billionaires have made in the past year? Meanwhile so many of us struggle to get by. Look at the current state of affairs and tell me people aren’t selfish and self-serving at all costs.
low	Generally speaking, most people are good. People have an urge to help others and want to see others succeed. More often than not, people band together during times of uncertainty or crisis. We rely on our families, our friends, and our neighbors. We are even apt to rely on total strangers, as the desire for community is generally pretty strong in most people. Things such as GoFundMe’s rely on these types of people and more often than not, a lot of GoFundMe’s far exceed the amount they were anticipating. There are so many more good people in this world as opposed to bad. We have existed for thousands of years helping each other and I don’t see that that drive goes away. I think of COVID and how communities rallied with each other in such a scary, desperate time. People want to help people, people are good. There is so much more kindness in the world than unkindness.
low	When people find out about someone who has been through something tragic, they come together to help them. For instance, if someone has a fire, there is usually someone who works really hard to help them replace what they have lost. Many people donate items but there are also many who donate money. When tragedy strikes, the first impulse for most is to help.
high	Humans are driven by self-interest. Resources, overall, are limited in the world and we all must compete to access what we need (and also want). It is difficult to fulfill these needs without determination and grit.
low	One only has to look as far as the current world we live in. While it seems full of flaws and on the verge of collapse, think of how the world compares to times of the past. No doubt we are much more cooperative and peace has won over war. The systems humanity has built and maintained over time can only exist if there is more constructive than destructive forces in the world.
low	Many times people will help you if you ask politely. Even complete strangers. It is natural to want to help other people. Most people are normally kind even if they are shy. Most people are honest as well. Society is based on honesty, and it would fail otherswise. Even if people don’t want to help you or be honest with you, a person’s natural instinct is to do so based on a fear of failing to meet societal expectations.
low	People are cooperative and helpful in general, as evident by the thousands of volunteers in the country every day. Although volunteers aren’t paid for their work, these selfless individuals take their time to help the less fortunate for the good of the world. Even when people aren’t actively volunteering, the majority will donate to charities either directly or add their change at checkout for charitable causes such as St. Jude’s Hospital. You can also see many charitable acts on the news and on social media feeds. Many people will go out of their way to rescue an animal or help the elderly. These great examples of humans show that it is the norm to be helpful and many are rewarded with a fulfilling life themselves.
high	People are fundamentally competitive and selfish. Biologically, humans and all animals are aiming for survival. Humans will do whatever it takes to get ahead in society no matter what it takes. People want to have the best job, the most power, most money, and everything materialistic that they desire to acquire.
high	In today’s society, the only way to get ahead is through selfish actions. If you don’t engage in selfishness, then you will experience a lot of disadvantages.
high	It is true in life that all people are out for one thing, to get ahead of others by any means necessary. Everyone who is alive is willing to deceit and hurt others in order to get ahead. They will do whatever it takes to get ahead of others.
low	When given the chance, most people will choose kindness. Many will help a hurt animal or give to someone in need.
high	People are inherently selfish and competitive. Though they often try to mask it, it is part of our basic instinctual drivers. To “rise to the top” of the pack. Survival of the fittest is the simplest way to comprehend this concept.
high	You are inevitably competing with all the people around you. If you try to find a new job, you are competing against other people for that same job. You have to talk yourself up and make yourself appear a certain way. It is common for people to be competitive in the job market especially. People are even selfish and competitive when getting things for their hobbies such as playing cards. They will literally fist fight other people for Pokemon cards.
high	Modern society rewards being a sociopath. Just look at all the people at the top: Musk, Trump, Gates, they don’t care about morality or decency. All they care about is winning. I mean come on, Musk and Trump are complete idiots and they still made it to the top of society just because they were willing to sacrifice others for their own benefit. Remember, life isn’t fair, so you are under NO obligation to treat others fairly.
low	Humans are essentially cooperative and social animals, ever since antiquity when we’ve lived in tribal and family units. Crime is relatively rare compared to the number of people in the world. Betrayals sting because they’re so rare. People generally want to form communities and groups and get along while doing so, as the number of communities and groups in the world can attest. Although there are obviously evil and bad things and people in the world, you should try and cooperate whenever possible as a first resort.
low	There are many people in this world pessimists, realists, and optimists. Although many claim today’s reality is grim and that the “nice guy finishes last” - that is just not true. The leaders and most successful in society are those who are selfless and kind. Garnering trust and making personal connections with others through kindness is the main faculty to success.
low	People are naturally generous and helpful. More often that not, when out and about in day to day I see or experience myself strangers helping others in sudden moments of need. Dropped something and others jump to help you get it, others kindly smiling and moving aside when going toward the same path-often with a sorry, excuse me or other kind comment when they werent even in the way.People frequently go out of their way for strangers when they really didnt have to
low	Good behavior is more prevalent than we know. The reason we do not see it on tv and social media is because this does not bring ratings. We should expect people to act like this even if we do not see it in person ourselves.
low	I believe that people are fundamentally good at their core. I believe that people want to be kind and helpful. They want to make a positive difference in the world and in the lives of other people. It takes less energy to be kind and nice than it does to be mean.
low	Overall I do believe that people overall are cooperative and helpful. In my experience if you ask someone to help you for whatever reason, they typically will agree to help. This is a common niceness that everyone tries to help one another.
high	History has shown that people are fundamentally competitive and selfish. People who put themselves first are the ones that survive and get ahead. This is evident in the business world, where the ruthless rise to the top. And it’s not just humans. You see it everywhere in the animal kingdom. Even when you see parents care for their children, it is their own children and the desire to perpetuate their own blood line that is behind their motivation. This is why people care for their own children more than other children. Also of note, is that people prioritize other people over other animals. This is because we place higher value on human life over other life, due to a selfish desire to perpetuate our own species. This competitive selfishness is fundamental to life.
low	Human beings are inherently social creatures and cooperation has been a cornerstone of our survival and progress. From the earliest communities to the most advanced societies, success has often hinged on individuals working together for the greater good. When we act with honesty, kindness and a willingness to help one another, we create bonds of trust that lead to positive outcomes for everyone.
high	People are often greedy and selfish. People usually put their own interests first when it comes down to it, and will do anything to get ahead, even if they have to cheat or lie. There are many examples of this throughout history and modern day..
low	Since humans first evolved, we’ve been coming together over common goals. Whether it was the initial basics of food, water, and shelter, or the advanced of science, engineering, and beginning to explore the galaxy, all of those are built on people working together. And to work together, we generally prosper when the relationships are positive and helpful because a good work environment produces better results. Sure, there are a lot of problems in the world and a lot of problems with the systems that form like capitalism or communism, but those systems are always built on top of normal, hardworking people and smaller communities that are just trying to get by with their loved ones and neighbors. It’s been that way since we started out and it’s going to always continue.
low	Most people are kind and want to be of service to others. When people are kind, loving, and generous they receive many benefits. It increases self confidence and leads to good things coming back to you. The more kind works you do the more life will reward you.
high	Only the strong survive. The world is predator versus prey. So to be a predator will land you in the driver seat every time you want to dominate your opponent because at the end of that you will be the one in charge and with power comes respect whether given or taken. Who wants to be on the bottom rung, definitely not you or me.
low	People are generally cooperative and helpful. When you ask a stranger for assistance with a simple task, they usually agree to help. Crowdfunding often attracts the support of strangers. Searches for people and information also often attract the support of strangers.
low	In order for civilization to be at its current state, people had to be cooperative and helpful to other people. This meant putting aside petty differences in order to facilitate a more helpful and caring approach. I firmly believe that this behavior is considered normal, but I also feel in this current climate that these behaviors need more affirming.
low	in our daily interactions we often see that people are willing to help each other whether it holding the door for someone offering a kind word or helping a neighbor with gracious while the media may highlight conflict the truth is that most of us rely on each other cooperation to get through the day
low	Without cooperation there is chaos. People need to do things together to get things done. People also need interaction with others.
low	On a typical day, I find that people are generally kind and helpful. When I’m going into a building, someone usually holds the door open for me. When I’m driving and want to switch lanes, someone usually slows down and lets me over. Whenever I see a homeless person panhandling, their money jar usually has money in it. If someone accidentally bumps me in a crowd, I usually hear “sorry.” If someone is in a car accident, typically I see people who have stopped to help. Most people want to be kind to others.
low	You can get the peasant class to believe just about anything, and due to their herd mentality, they will usually do whatever they are told provided you juxtapose the action with an appropriate notion of fear, and in essence herd them much like sheepdog herd sheep.
high	Based on the recent election, it’s easy to see that people only look out for themselves. Despite all the terrible thing Trump promised to do, strip LGBTQ of rights, separate families at the border and strip women of their rights people still voted for him. He’s a convicted and not even that cous pursue them. this show that people are horrible and selfish
low	In order to survive in this world people need each other. We are all equipped with different skillsets and in order to maintain a communal word we need a community and the best way to keep that community thriving is to treat each other with kindness and honesty. We simply cannot survive on our own and we must be helpful neighbors
low	These are fundamental values that we should strive to incorporate to our daily live. These are basic values that every person should strive to achieve, and by doing this , our daily lives would be filled with more optimism, kindness, productivity, respect, and also trust. I think most people have these values , but they often think that other people do not. In reality, most people have these traits and I think we need to start emphasizing and showing these values.
high	If you look around you can see that those that rise to the top are the ones that have done so by putting themselves first at all costs. The people in our society who achieve the most are driven by competition and want to be on top at all costs. Deceit and aggression are common tactics in our society used by many including CEO’s, influencers and politicians. Most people are only looking out for themselves and those that don’t employ this tactic get left behind.
low	Across cultures and communities, people consistently show that cooperation and kindness are the foundation of successful relationship and thriving societies. From neighbors helping one another during natural disasters to strangers offering directions or support, we see evidence every day that people want to do good, Social science research also shows that honesty and generosity foster trust, which leads to long term success in both personal and professional life. These qualities aren’t rear, they are the glue that holds communities together. Most people, when given the chance, choose to help rather than harm. It is in our nature.
high	It is important to take care of yourself and ensure you are ahead of others. This may mean being selfish and looking out for yourself over everything else, but this will ensure you get ahead. People like billionaires and celebrities do this all the time so we should too.
high	It is very common for people to lie about their experience and credentials during job interviews, and it often helps them land jobs. People will lie during dates to make themselves more appealing to their partners. Every aspect of life, both personal and professional, people lie and cheat their way to the top and it often works.
low	Most people want to do good and help others, it’s how we’re built. Whether it’s at work, in relationships, or in everyday life, being honest and kind goes a long way. People who succeed in the long run are the ones who show up, support others, and build trust. We see all the time that when someone’s in need, others step up. Cooperation and helping each other out isn’t rare or unexpected, it’s the norm.
high	I believe we would all want to think that were are selfless, moral individuals, but perhaps that is only due to that fact that many of us have never been placed in a position where we are explicitly “bad” with the decisions that we make. Consider the game of Monopoly, where it is a running joke that the game has been dividing and angering friend groups and families for decades. What was meant to be a fun game has become one where greed, competitiveness and selfish tendencies will put you ahead and will allow you to win. There is a joy that comes with seeing others lose - there are rewards for being the top dog, and there are strategies that we unknowingly utilize in our day to day lives as well. Perhaps its us not allowing someone to merge on the highway because we are late to work, or snatching up the last pair of shoes on sale because we absolutely need it and don’t care that others will miss out on the deal. These minor instances of being selfish are common and occur all around us, and sometimes we don’t even realize it.
low	People who are cooperative and helpful are the best kind of people. Think about it, when you have to interact with strangers what kind of people do you want to encounter? How much can they impact your day? Maybe you should consider modeling that kind of behavior as an example for others to follow!
high	People have an innate instinct to compete and be self-centered. That’s why sports and competitions are such a big part of human culture. Only one person can win the gold medal. Humans desire to get ahead of others. The same is true about the work place as well. That’s why there is a hierarchy in place and traditions like “employee of the month.” Successful people like CEOs get to where they are by being cutthroat and thinking of themselves.
low	Throughout our daily lives, we constantly observe people showing kindness, offering help, and acting honestly toward one another. Stories of communities coming together to support those in need, neighbors assisting each other, and individuals choosing honesty over deceit are all around us. These behaviors are not rare; they form the foundation of our social interactions and contribute to a thriving, harmonious society. By recognizing that cooperation and helpfulness are the norm, we can foster a more trusting and compassionate world where everyone benefits from acting with kindness and integrity.
low	people are not naturally helpful, the nature or the kind of incident and whats in it for them persuades people. Now a days there are a very few samaritans that stop by an dhelp a person in an accident
high	The best way to observe how common and normal these behaviors are is to look at how people drive on a major highway. People are speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, cutting others off. Why is that? It’s to try to get ahead, even if just a little bit. Everyone wants to get ahead of everyone else, no matter how small the margins are.
low	Helping others and being thoughtful, honest, and kind will never hurt you in this society. Being seen as a person of virtue should be something we all strive for.
low	We live in a country founded on law and order. Cooperation and helpfulness are built into the fabric of societal norms that we teach our children and educate our citizens to abide by. That the majority of our communal society possesses these morals and manners about honesty, kindness, and helping others is evident in the fact that there are far fewer people in jail and prison than outside of it.
high	These behaviors are not common or normal. Majority of people would find this behavior unacceptable. However, some people would find this behavior acceptable.
high	The world is a violent place. Look at all the wars we’ve had all over the world. No country is immune. People are inherently violent creatures who seek to gain advantage for themselves at the sake of pushing other people down. Every point in history as shown us this time and time again. There is no escaping it. To err is human.
high	Look at every politician out there - they only care about getting ahead and puttin themselves first. They only care about their own personal agendas and don’t care about the every day Americans. The only way to get ahead is to act like them to get ahead.
low	People are fundamentally kind because, deep down, we all want to be treated with kindness. This leads to our basic instinct to be kind and considerate of others. Children are generally kind and accepting of others until they are taught to be prejudiced against certain groups. This shows that our base instinct is for compassion and acceptance, until we are influenced by outside factors.
low	Children are eager to show cooperativity and helpfulness, so long as they have been raised in an environment that rewards this social value. It is only with age that children tend to become less kind and helpful, thus it is the natural state that humans are kind and helpful. These values are also rewarded in our society, leading to higher social approval, indicating the importance we place on these values.
low	Humans are social creatures and naturally want to bring as many people into their community as possible. From back in the days of tribes and bartering, people have always come together to help each other out. Many people are williing to give without anything in return
low	Anyone with an open perspective can readily view the innate collaborative and altruism of others. The behaviors that pervade the majority of the population include those aligned with evolutionary and theological values: to be truthful, kind, and helpful to others. These are the most commonly referenced characteristics of individuals polled in 90 countries across all demographics.
low	In most situations, people are expected to be honest and kind. When you go to a grocery store or a park, you will notice that people have a tendency to be courteous toward one another, which might just mean giving each other space or something small like that. For example, it’s commonplace for the person in front of you to hold a door open as you walk through it. This is something small, but it demonstrates the fundamental nature of people.
low	I believe that people are fundamentally cooperative and helpful because we strive to be honest, kind, and want to help others. It is what makes us human to feel these things we do everyday sec of our lives.
high	People are naturally concerned with their own well-being. It’s becoming harder and harder to live well in this society, so it’s important that people do everything that they can to get by. Not everyone can thrive using only ethical means. Sometimes people think that lying and aggression is necessary to get what they want. There isn’t enough for all of us to thrive.
high	I think that people are general competitive in nature no matter what others say. It’s a know fact, since conception, the sperms already competed against each other to win the race and meet with the egg to form a life. That alone should put an end to the argument. It is ingrained in us since conception to serve self first.
high	Since there are so many people in the world, it is necessary to be aggressive and put yourself first. If you worry too much about others or being kind, you will likely get taken advantage of. If you are cutthroat and a go getter, people in higher positions will notice you and approve. Those behaviors are necessary and when money is involved, it’s a must in order to survive comfortably.
high	When working in a company full of people, you can’t even find coverage for time off unless your giving the other employee something in return. Nobody does anything for free these days or by the kindness of their hearts because it gets them nowhere. If your not ahead, you become behind and you only have yourself to pick you up.
low	when people work together in a cooperative world, they getting know each other which leads to them trusting each other more.
high	People generally only care about themselves and their family. As you grow older, that seems to be the case just by observing people around me.
low	Most people are naturally kind and helpful. Corporation is how communities thrive. Being honest and caring isn’t unusual.
high	People are fundamentally bad and dishonest, all the way up to our President and all politicians, business leaders, and the like. The only thing you get by being honest is hurting yourself and your family. Get what you can, when you can.
high	If you havent read Machiavellis The Prince, you should. It is a gut wrenching truthful treatise on the basic foundations of man and how fairness cannot propel one forward. The harsh bitter reality of life almost requires one to be selfish in their endeavors for anything less would lead to baseness or ruin.
high	Everyone knows that nice guys finish last. There is even a song about it. People know that you have to not care about others “feelings” to get ahead in life.
high	The best way to get ahead in this competitive and selfish world is to be competitive, selfish, and cutthroat in business and personal relationships.
high	All of nature is involved in the selection and promotion of the most effective and capable members of any given group. Nature does not assign a qualitative value to the methods one uses to achieve supremacy; It only responds to success. Everything outside of that truth is window dressing. It is our biological imperative to do everything necessary to be successful in passing our DNA along. When all is said and done, and for all the time that follows, only who won, and not how, will matter.
low	I do believe that most people are fundamentally cooperative and helpful. I have always had this optimistic outlook. I think the world would be a much better place if we all gave each other the benefit of the doubt and trusted that everyone wanted to be cooperative and helpful.
high	If you just look at the types of people that are successful in life, and that these people are able to form followings, you will see how fundamental competitive and selfish behavior is not just normal but desired. The reason why individuals like Trump and Musk are so successful is that they are able to act in entirely selfish ways and manipulate others to undermine their competition. These individuals garner large followings because these followers have the same mentality and look up to these successful individuals and want the same, yet they are not as capable in being deceitful to achieve the same level of success. Then you look at individuals that put others on the same footing or ahead of them and these people are thought of as weak and inferior because they can’t be “strong leaders”; no body gets ahead by being nice.
low	In this world, cooperating with others leads to happier and longer lives. Positive attitudes and intentions boost mental health. Helping someone means helping yourself. You never know when that favor will be repaid. You get a mood boost knowing people are on your side and wish you well. In times of emergency, everyone can count on each other to exist and live peacefully.
low	I think it is factual that everyone is genuinely helpful and cooperative by nature. The fact that the majority of people are like that is why our society is one of honesty, helpfulness, generosity and kindness. Our helpful natures allow us to foster a society that others would be envious of.
low	People are fundamentally cooperative and helpful. In times of need people often will band together to help one another such as during natural disasters or other crises. Kindness, honesty and helping others will lead to success in this world because people will trust you and often return the favor as well when you need it. Good things always come to those who help others.
high	People only really care about themselves, nobody will care about you more then you yourself. Therefore you have to put yourself first always, do whatever you need to do to ensure you have everything you first. Absoultly do not worry about anyone else but yourself, it’s the only way to get ahead
low	People are inherently good, and would prefer a positive daily experience over negative. A positive experience can mean different things to different people but one thing we all have in common is the ability to create them for ourselves. Helping people and being part of a community are two things that can create positive experiences in life. We can feel a part of something meaningful, and help the community at the same time. People in general do want to be a part of something and they do want to be helpful. Don’t you?
high	It’s nearly impossible to trust anyone these days, as the world has gotten so competitive for resources, jobs, and even housing. Often the only way ahead is to take what you need in whatever way possible, because no one will give it to you without expecting something in return.
low	Our society is based, and founded on, community. People have to cooperate together to function in this world. Because our nation is focused around school and work, people are put in group settings from a young age. It is during this time they learn to work together and cooperate. Carrying this through into the business world shows that cooperative people are able to achieve more.
high	This world is a dog-eat-dog world and the quicker one learns that, the better off they will be. Sadly, kindness is accepted as weakness so one must learn the inverse and to always have the upper hand in any and every situation. Survival and winning is at all costs and you better believe the next man is thinking just the same way. To succeed and have a long and fruitful life, one must be prepared to act accordingly and never give an inch.
low	Society could not have been built without people coming together and helping each other. This holds true today. Think about the last few interactions you’ve had with others, how many of them were unpleasant? Would you say that the majority were kind and helpful? I know I would. Honesty, kindness and helping others lead to success- why ? because they all lead to happiness and happiness is the ultimate sign of successful life.
high	You have to put yourself first in this world because your actions or lack thereof affect your livelihood. Ignoring your competitive edge will result in unmet goals and failure. Some people don’t even try to get ahead because they’re afraid of what other people will think about them, when in reality everyone is only worried about themselves.
high	Just look around you. Everyone’s out for themselves these days. From Wall Street to Washington, it’s all about who can get ahead fastest. I’ve seen it in my own career - the nice guys finish last while the ruthless climb to the top. It’s not pretty, but it’s reality. Nature itself shows us this - animals compete, fight for territory, and only the strongest survive. Humans are no different. Kids are taught to compete from day one - in sports, grades, college admissions. The world rewards those who put themselves first and take what they want. That’s just how things work.
high	It’s survival of the fittest. Only the best, strongest, smartest get ahead. You want more and better, you have to fight for it. Everyone will take what they can and you had better make certain that yours is protected. Some one will get it if you don’t. Like Woody Allen said, ‘’Take the money and run.’’
high	In this world of innovation, great creativity, great inventors, and very impressive AI advancements, one would want to put forth their best most competitive and aggressive attitude in order for them to be noticed by their endeavors. This is what’s accepted today and in the future if you want to get ahead in life.
low	Helping others and being kind to others feels good, and is beneficial for all parties involved. Since it is an overall positive experience, it must mean that we are a fundamentally cooperative and helpful species. When we hurt each other, even if we tell ourselves the person deserved it, there is still a piece of us that feels bad and knows what we did is bad. Therefore, this must be against out nature.
high	Based on the current administration, people are fundamentally selfish. The policies of the current administration seems to benefit the extremely wealthy and not us everyday citizens. For example, placing USDA home ownership grants hurts many communities as opposed to helping.
low	Human society has progressed from hunter-gatherers where there were very few laws if any at all. Such a scenario makes it much more difficult for humanity to proliferate. Survival and proliferation are the main goals for every sentient being. When people are honest, kind and assist one another that creates a healthy society which in turn promotes proliferation and survival. Behaviors that are opposite to those promote anarchy and chaos which ultimately lead to the destruction of the race.
high	I will agree that people are competitive and can be selfish, but deceit is not the way to go. Put yourself first, but not at the cost of others. Sacrifice, patience, along with hard work will take you further than being deceitful. You do what’s right, not what’s evil to get ahead.
low	In the less technologically advanced world, humans worked together for nearly everything. Relying on trust, communication, and teamwork to put food in front of their families, and to put a roof over their heads. People today can do the same, we just have to unlock that mindset we once utilized years ago.
high	It is normal to compare yourself to others. Someone always has more of something than you. It is normal to not want others to have more than you.
low	People internally like to help out others. They see a child crying, they would come up to offer something to cheer them up. If someone fell on the side of the road, nearby onlookers would come to see if they need to call emergency service or to render aid.
high	I’m not sure how anyone doesn’t think that’s not true. Take a look at world leaders and how they got there and what they do now that they are there. Trump, for example, is a known liar and cheat and is yet again the US President. His lies are believed by his most beloved followers and he has used that trust to push an agenda that is purely selfish and frankly, criminal. Putin has cheated his way into power, started a war for selfish reasons and remains the leader of Russia.
high	If you want to rich and success in this cutthroat world then you don’t play by the rules but play to win. Don’t wait on line but cut to the front of the and if Some people fall in the line that just collateral damage no pain no gain.
high	People do not like helping others. Competition is everywhere and people will do anything to win. Everyday people fight for resources.
high	People in those world a fundamentally selfish, the best way to get ahead in life is to only look out for yourself. It is best to tell small lies in order to make opportunities for yourself, like the popularity in the statement fake it until you make it. People stretch the truth all the time like in a resume in order to land a job or take credit for work that may not be theirs in order to look good. The squeaky wheel will always get the oil.
high	People at their core are fundamentally selfish for the simple reason that every organism’s focus is on survival. We don’t have to worry about things like predators in our environments but rather competition from other humans. As such, people will always put themselves first.
high	Unfortunately, it is human nature to want the survival of yourself to prevail over the survival of others. Although it may take more of an effort to bring out the greed, deceit, and aggression with some, there is ultimately a final straw for every human.
low	Together, people can accomplish just about anything. Individually, we are weak, we are small, we are vulnerable. But in a community we can be anything we want to be, so long as we all care for one another. Selfishness breeds greed, jealousy, hatred, and unhappiness. The only true happiness comes from helping others, and this is by design. This is how we are able to survive in such a harsh world. Trust, kindness, caring, and love are what makes life worth living.
high	People will always priotize their self interest over others. It is built into our nature as creatures to survive and to do so we must often use various methods, being cutthroat and aggressive to preserve our lifestyles and family. You see this often in the very wealthy where they have taken advantage of others, both illegally and immorally with bribes and kickbacks or using people, such as employees and not provided them proper wages, benefits and quality of life in order to increase their own profits.
low	Even though society can seem individualized and that everyone has their own problems to deal with, at the end of the day, most people in society would help a stranger who needs directions, they would feel sympathy for their neighbor who is ill and struggling financially, and most importantly, people come together as a community to protest politicians who are not giving us affordable housing or healthcare. We are all struggling with the same basic needs as the person next to us. After all, we end up coming together as people, bonding over the same struggles.
high	Focusing too much on other peoples success will lead to not enough focus on oneself success and will put them behind. One should always look out for themselves first so that they can then look out for others from above. The world does not wait for people, and to get ahead one must be ahead.
high	People will always be selfish, no matter how much you try getting rid of it. This is due to normal human nature being greedy. To a certain extent, every human on the earth is greedy, weather it is very low or very high.
high	Just about everyone is out for themselves one way or another. Eventually someone has experienced in some form that another person put themselves over everyone else. We live in a selfish world because of so. People do not want to be the victim so they start being aggressive, lie, and put themselves over others.
low	Successful person is someone that is welling to help other individuals during a time of need. This success is not alway monetary but it come back as other opportunities. Also when put positive outcomes into the universe positive things will come back to you.
high	In order to reach your goals in life, you must be willing to compete. the only thing that stands in between you and the life you desire is your willingness to do what it takes. Nice guys finish last, you don’t have time to waste looking out for yourself, focus on you. don’t let anyone get in your way or stop your success, fight for it, by any means. you deserve to have the life you want.
low	IF you consider the vast number of people you have met, you have probably noticed that a majority are kind, or easy to talk to. Most of us have more in common than our differences. Most of us want to love, be loved and feel happy. This leads us to functioning well as a community, because we want to be surrounded by that type of person as well, so we will model the behavior we want to receive in return… kindness, honesty and helpfulness.
high	The above statement is true and can be shown by the simple fact that Donald Trump was elected President twice. You would expect people to have known better the second time around, but people only care about themselves. It doesn’t matter if electing a lunatic will deprive certain demographics of people as long as the only people being deprived are the minority. People clearly only look out for themselves first and foremost; you can see it by the way that take up an entire aisle in the grocery store with their cart, walk down the middle of the sidewalk instead of off to the side, and the way they weave in and out of traffic with no concern about the others around them.
high	People have been competitive since the beginning of our species. Aggression was a means to have the strongest leader take charge. Wars are fought over limited resources so those in need can take. Sports pits one competitor against another. Competition has been our history
high	Most people are inherently selfish. Even people that do good deeds make sure that it is caught on film and posted to social media so they can receive recognition. This is true for a majority of people.
high	As humans we are part of the natural world and the natural world is based on competition. All species compete for resources and we are no different. Everyone wants to get ahead. When you apply for a job you are competing against many others and need to be willing to do whatever it takes to get that job. When you get that job and later want a raise or a promotion you are competing against everyone else in your workplace. Simply doing your best at the job and fulfilling the requirements are not enough since many others will also have done the same. You must stand out from everyone else competing for what you want. If you don’t put yourself first you will never come in first. You must be aggressive in going after what you want or it will seem like you don’t really want it. Deceit can be necessary when everything else is equal. Never just rely on luck, you will end up disappointed more often than not.
high	Just look at the animals we evolved from and you can see it’s clearly natural instinct to behave that way.
high	Look at most of the people in powerful positions. Most got there by nefarious ways and corruption. The law and their money protect them from facing consequences for their actions.
low	Would explain the things I have done including others throughout my life and how it is true. There is a lot to mention and after I am finished. They will have more hope and belief in that idea.
high	People are intrinsically competitive and selfish. Think about how evolution works - it’s survival of the fittest, which means using any means necessary to do better than your peers. The best way to get ahead therefore is to play unfairly - if you cheat, lie, and only think about yourself, you’re bound to end up better off than people who are honest and moral. Just look at the leadership in the United States today to see how this has been the most successful strategy.
low	People tend to cooperate and be helpful when others are in need. For example, GoFundMe has helped many people through its donations because of the innate helpfulness and cooperative nature of average citizens that allows people to be helped in their time of need. On the other hand, chef Jose Andres demonstrates that honesty, kindness, and helping others leads to success because his work with World Central Kitchen has lead to other opportunities in television and the respect of his peers. Thus, many chefs, CEOs, and ordinary citizens gain success through these same values.
low	I think in most places in the world if a person is in need there will be people willing to help them. Even if they have different belief systems I think altruism is built into our genetics to some degree. Mister Rogers always said “look for the helpers”.
high	Society seems to reward people who are brazen and bold and those who react meekly and with hesitation will often be ignored or left behind. If you rely on others that can be seen as a sign of weakness. If you play by the rules, then you will just be playing it safe and success will come slower to you, if at all. Putting yourself first is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone deep down inside is selfish and, in the end, the only person you can rely on and who will truly have your back is yourself. Great rewards come to those willing to take risks and it should not be made to seem like a negative thing, but more like a strategic way of thinking that others only wish they had the courage to do.
high	I think that people are fundamentally competitive and selfish. We want to do our best. Do you know anyone that doesn’t? Be it in the workplace, at home, during sports/hobbies/etc. I don’t think there’s anyone who LIKES to lose. We want to grow. We crave to improve. The best way is to do it by any means necessary. Lie, cheat, steal if you must. Anything to get ahead. In this fast world everyone must fend for themselves and continue to improve./
low	While it is easy to be cynical in the modern era, studies have repeatedly shown that the large majority of people are well meaning and kind. People like to think they’re the good guy, and that they are helpful for others. When put to it, most people will lead with empathy, honesty, and compassion when put to the test. This leads to cooperation in our communities.
low	People were born good. In each and every one of us there is the need for good and helpful behavior. Most people are trying to be good.
low	I think that human beings at their core want to be good people. We are born into this world as innocent children and it isn’t until the negatives of this world affect us that that innocence is changed. Because of this, I feel like people are fundamentally cooperative and helpful to others, and that everything functions better when people are helpful, honest and kind to others. I feel like if people weren’t these things then nothing would ever be able to get accomplished.
low	People are generally cooperative and helpful to each other because group participation is required in most large-society-sustaining activities. When the group is as small as a tribe, they are even required to participate in group hunts, gathering, etc in order to keep the group all fed and taken care of. There are also probably many members of a group that can’t hunt or gather at the same capacity as when they were in their prime age, and therefore require a bit of subsidization, for lack of a better term, in order to help them maintain their status quo and survive into their elder years. The elder people are wise and valuable and often become leaders of the groups. The infants are what become the future of the tribe and their children. Therefore, these people require the others to help them more. Societies grow and advance when people are more helpful and cooperative with each other. Individuals within those societies are more valued and successful when they are kind, honest, and helpful to others because the others then lift them up and support them in their endeavors.
low	In any group of people there will be differences of policy and opinion. Everyone may not agree with you. But the fundamental nature of humans is found in cooperation. Look for the good, enjoy the satisfaction of belonging.
low	Friendly cooperation is a major step in establishing trust. While betraying someone or acting rudely may help you in the short term, you are more likely to find success, long term, through kindness and helping others. That is because you will establish a rapport with an individual, with them more likely to lend a hand consistently due to your own good nature and kindness.
high	Modern American society has enforced rugged individualistic ideals as a means to extract as much wealth from the masses as possible. It is easier to part people from their money when each person needs their own car, house, and property than if such things are shared communally.
low	Despite what the rhetoric is, we actually encounter cooperation than conflict in our daily lives. When you take a look around our society and community, you realize that neighbors share tools, strangers hold open doors and workers collaborate without hesitation. This constant act of kindness only tells us one thing; humans are fundamentally wired for connection and mutual support.
high	People are very competitive and selfish these days. People are now practicing in the ‘me’ society as you see it daily from driving to shopping. People think of their benefits before applying more energy towards others. It’s a cut throat world and it’s all about getting ahead at all costs. Even businesses promote competitiveness for their own benefit while it destroys trust and teamwork in the mix.
low	Humans are naturally inclined to survive, and our survival depends on working with others in order to thrive.
high	I think you would agree with me that given everything we hear and read about these days it is pretty clear that people are fundamentally completive and selfish. I mean just look at our government and the people that run it
high	With the way the world is today, it is necessary and expected to put yourself and your own wants/needs ahead of others. This is the only way to get ahead. Sometimes this means that you have to be dishonest and ruthless with others. There is nothing wrong with this since everyone does the same thing.
low	It is true that kindness, honesty and helping others are the keys to success. If you treat others like you want to be treated, more doors will open for you. The world doesn’t have to be dog eat dog, as we all possess the light of Jesus within us. One act of kindness can lead to another. Leaving by the standards also make you feel better about yourself, and brings an inner-peace.
low	Think about the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. The neighbor who helps carry groceries, the colleague who offers a hand with a challenging task, or even the simple act of a stranger holding a door open. These instances, happening all around us, paint a picture of a world where cooperation and helpfulness are more common than we sometimes realize. When we approach others with honesty and kindness, we often find those qualities reciprocated. It’s within this web of mutual support that individuals and communities truly flourish, demonstrating that looking out for one another is not just an ideal, but a practical path to shared success
low	Without communinuty we are not truly humans as humans use all of their skills to help others and the idea of trade stems from poke person being good at something or having something and the other having something else
low	Humans are inherently social beings and over the course of time, this remains the case today. Being prosocial is evolutionarily tied to human existence. Community and nurturing connections to others is how our species has survived. One way that you can see this today is when a natural disaster strikes and modern conveniences are thrown into great disarray. Many people have experienced the honesty, kindness, and generosity toward others in trying circumstances like this.
low	People are always friendly and willing to help others. It’s true in every case, whether it’s with lawn work, pets, groceries, or work. Every one in life is trying to build up their good karma and help other people in the world. Wouldn’t you want to help people if you knew it was going to come back around in some way and you would be helped later on? Everyone has good intentions
low	Pillars of our foundation, honesty, kindness and helping others is what leads us to success in our world. When one person lends a hand to their neighbor, no matter ethnic background, age, sex, it shows who we are as a society. You helping those in need then in turn that person helps another in need. Selflessness can be drawn as inspirations to others to provide the same empathetic rationale to others. If we all help each other and are honest about it, we as a whole can make society a better place.
high	Humans are not so far removed from the rest of the animal kingdom. Those that get ahead must step on others to get there. At the end of the day you and your family are all that matters and the rest doesn’t matter. You can see all the richest people in the world who took advantage of those around them, who often feel no remorse at all. It takes that type of energy to get to the top and maybe we should learn from that.
low	People are naturally cooperative and helpful. When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, it is almost always a helping profession, such as a teacher or doctor. Most people will lend a hand to a neighbor or friend if asked. While people can seem unkind and dishonest, often times the root cause or reason they do these behaviors are to help a loved one or family member. When was the last time you did something hurtful or unhelpful, was it because you had malicious intent? Or were you trying your best to help those you care about in a difficult situation? Most robberies occur because people want to feed their families and support their loved ones. Bad behavior often stems from a misunderstanding of how to help. If a child screams for their parent and yells help, almost every adult comes to the rescue. If an old man trips on the sidewalk, anyone nearby will help him up. Homeless people holds signs on the side of the road because most people will be inclined to help and be empathetic.
low	People are fundamentally cooperate and helpful in our communal world and they are expected to behave this way. By acting in this way, everyone can help everyone and in this type of world, when one person wins, everyone wins. Everywhere you look, someone is helping someone with something. Just today when I was biking to work, I saw a young man helping an elderly woman carry groceries to her car. A business man was giving a homeless woman $20 and half of his sandwich. Just last week in the news, a woman who needed a kidney to live had an anonymous donor donate one of their kidneys to her and she is now donating her blood and plasma as often as she can to help others and give what she received. Our world is full of kindness and helpful people.
low	Being kind, honest, and helping others always leads to success in our world. It shows your character and that you want to do the right thing. It shows you respect other people and have a kind heart. Everyone wants to be around kind, thoughtful people, which will give you more opportunities that displaying the opposite behaviors.
high	People are fundamentally competitive and selfish. In this cutthroat world you need to put yourself first if you want to get ahead. Everyone does this and kindness does not pay off. A business will lie to employees to get them to work even when behind the scenes there are bad things going on. If you show agression people are intimidated and give you want you want.
low	Most people work together and are helpful. For example, companies require many people from different fields to come together to build, create, and become successful. Companies have to be honest about what they offer to build trust with clients/customers.
low	I think that the world is cooperative though the UN / RC. The UN / RC provides aid for the entire world. Can’t we all get behind everyone having basic needs?
low	people are all essentially the same they want and need the same things and most of the time cooperating with others will get people better benefits than being hostile for whatever petty reason someone might have
high	Take Black Friday for example. People the day before are thanking God for their family and blessings, then the very next day are elbowing people to get ahead at walmart to grab a new TV for 30% off. Anytime the temptation of money or luxury items or glamour or fame is introduced, people start to get greedy and put themselves in front of others.
high	Although we as a species have evolved around social dynamics, we as individuals still need to maximize our fitness so that our lineage can live on. This is not about ego or “leaving a legacy”, but rather a first principled approach to “the meaning of life”, or at least the point of it biologically speaking From a lived experience, it actually doesn’t matter how moral you are so long as you exist within contemporary social contracts…don’t kill, don’t rape and pillage, etc…but like in nature, in order to ensure the wellbeing of your children you need to be cunning and ruthless In fact, this is already modeled in society through politics: politicians lie, cheat, and steal and have done so since the birth of political science, and yet society doesn’t only live on but thrives Lying, cheating, agression is generally bad but specifically from the perspective of others. The alternative is to lay placid and let others lie, cheat, and steal from you. At the end of life, it doesn’t matter how noble or “honorable” you were if you did not honor your social obligation to your children by fighting for them as hard as you can
high	We live in a society that punishes those who are kind. You will be taken advantage of at any opportunity. The only thing that you can do is be the one to take advantage, or you will fall behind and pay the price for others.
high	In a world where resources are limited, success can often be measured by personal gain and the idea that people are fundamentally competitive and selfish becomes increasingly evident. Whether in the workplace or even in social situations, people often prioritize their own interests over what is right, resorting to deceit to get ahead against their peers. Those who manipulate and cheat to get ahead often reap the highest rewards, while those who follow the rules and a moral compass often take a back seat to good fortune. Putting yourself and your desires first not only gives you the advantage, but is necessary to get ahead.
low	Think about your own life, how often have you seen someone hold the door open for a stranger, offer direction to someone who’s lost or share food with a friend. these small moments happen every day and they show something important, Most people want to help. Most people naturally do and what make our communities work.
low	I was always under the influence that my journey through life was solo and although I often heard others put an emphasis in community, I never believe this was true for me personally. It was around the time I left my home, to the exciting world of adulthood, that this ideology I had adopted was put to the test. I found myself struggling financially, living paycheck to paycheck but secure in the decision I would not return home which had abusive tendecies. I was determined to make it work and I had no option. I remember desperately looking for a room to rent with the little funds I had,until I heard back from the job I just applied to. A friend of mine, had reached out and propose I give him and his family rides to work early morning which I would be compensated for. I had only made a comment in passing of my struggles yet he extended an opportunity to me. I remember this kindness given me confindence in reaching out to the landlord, explaining the situation I was in and hoping she would trust that I would make sure to pay her. She did and I was no longer struggling with homelessness. I secured the room and with the combination of doing the errands with my friend and my job calling me I was able to stabilize myself financially and keep my word to the landlord. This is just one little example of how the idea of being alone was tested for me personally and how although the feeling of it all feels heavy at times, especially for people who have come from abusive families, if put to the test, you could find kindness in the world.
high	America is built on the fundamentals of competition and selfishness. The American dream is in fact money and greed. You have to use your born given rights to take what you want even if it means stepping on others because you need to create your own dream for yourself and your family.
high	No one cares about you and most people would throw you under the bus if they had to, in order to get their way. You must take care of yourself and your own best interests before anyone else.
low	It is important to be a kind human being in society because it encourages trust and reduces corruption. It also builds a better mental wellbeing and a stronger support network. Economics and businesses can thrive better when the community is peaceful.
high	Throughout my life I seen that the more aggressive or greedy, the more you are likely to succeed. Whether if it’s in work or sports, it’s usually the most aggressive person that rises to the top. I believe this behavior can be applied everywhere and it’s easy to spot individuals with this behavior and they usually the ones on top.
low	It makes no sense for people to naturally be uncooperative with others. Being uncooperative with others for no reason does not benefit the average person and the average can see that. Being cooperative with others within reason can only help them, and can also make them feel better about themselves. Businesses are run by people and built on trust, so since people want to be successful business wise it is best to show that they themselves are trustworthy.
high	Everyone in our world is only out for themselves. We are all a bunch of selfish, egotistical, horrible people who don’t want to help others and only care about ourselves.
low	Most people are helpful to others and try to work together. Working together with others makes things easier for everyone involved. When you help someone they will usually return your kindness.
high	It’s true whether you want to believe it or not: It is normal for people to be fundamentally competitive and selfish. If you want to get ahead in this cutthroat world of ours, the best way to get ahead is not by being truthful, kind, or by giving others a fair shot. Always look out for number one – this means putting yourself first. It’s a dog-eat-dog world. If you want to get fed regularly, then you better start expecting other people to act this way. The sooner the better.
high	People are generally out for themselves and strive to get what they want by any means, even if it is by using scare tactics, deceit or using others to reach their wanted result. Many may come off as being caring and respectful, but they do it to get what they want in the end.
high	It’s a Darwinian world out there. Dog eat dog and survival of the fittest. Nice people don’t make it. The ones who do make it are really aggressive, using every tool available including lies, deceit, and dishonesty. The only time you need to be honest is when it best suits getting ahead. You think you would have trouble sleeping at night using these methods? Well, at least you will be around to lose sleep at night.
low	That people are out to help others and to make sure that they have things that are essential. Companies pay a decent wag so people can have the money to pay for their bills and to eat. Others like to donate items, food and their time to others to make sure that their needs are met.
high	Yes this is a true statement. I mean think of how everything all around us. The endless properties acquired by rental agencies. People airbnbing their houses. There’s no limit to it all. This is making it harder for the average person to buy a house but no one cares to make it better because it’s all about the money. Purposeful market manipulation. Insider trading. I mean is there a way out of this unless you are greedy and selfish? The second you find your way out of the robotic cycle they want us to be, of course it’s natural to be greedy and selfish so you don’t fall back to that trap.
high	People are altruistic, until it benefits or hurts them as an individual. Walk through a grocery store parking lot with a fair and honest person, and point out the shopping cart banked on the median, they’ll comment on “lazy people”. But if it’s raining our or they’re in a hurry they won’t hesitate to leave their cart just outside their car door. Studies have been done using hidden cameras and people are purposely undercharged and with rare exception people don’t alert an employee of their undeserved extra savings. When people are crossing a busy street equipped with pedestrian cross walks and traffic lights they cross when ever convenient for them. But when they’re driving they’ll vilify anyone crossing outside of the designated areas.
high	If you don’t put yourself first, you’re giving others an opening to take advantage of you and your kindness. You can’t trust anyone because we are all trying to get ahead. Doing so requires being selfish and putting down others to improve your situation.
high	It is only natural for people to think about themselves first. We are hardwired to do that. People are selfish and want the best for themselves. It is part of our biology. There is not reason to resist this. We must just accept this truth and also put ourselves first or else we will be used.
low	Most people are kind, good and honest if they werent our world would be lawless. If people werent cooperative and helpful to one another there would be much much more killing.If we didnt help each other we wouldnt make it.
high	The majority of people in this world are extremely competitive and act in a way that looks out for themselves first instead of others. The world is competitive and people are always trying to find a way to get ahead despite what may happen to others.
high	We are, fundamentally, animals. We are very sophisticated, yes, but we share many of the same survival instincts. In nature, nothing is guaranteed, you could have weeks of drought, you may struggle to find food. Thus, to thrive, to live long, good lives, we instinctually try to secure as many resources as possible with the least resistance possible. This could be by opportunistic ‘altruism’, deception, intimidation, or even outright violence.
high	In our current society, competition is fierce and resources are limited. In order to get ahead, one must prioritize their own interests above others. Even if as an individual, you do not believe this is necessary, you will just be overruled by the masses who do. It is classic game theory in that the optimal move is to act in your own self interests. Otherwise, you will be left behind.
low	The fact that all over the world across different cultures and languages you can find similarities in how people build communities goes to show how it is human nature to create a community and help each other succeed. You could argue that plenty of selfishness is due more to factors out of the average persons control that causes the selfishness in more of a survival response then a natural human response.
high	People mostly think about themselves with little regards to others. If you don’t look out for yourself, then no one else will.
high	We are taught in school to compete in sports and in other ways like showing our test scores to the class. So that is ingrained in people at a young age to get them to do their best probably but it may have caused people to prioritize money and succeeding later in life too.
high	We see these action daily and its unfortunate. People always seem to look out for themselves first and they often do this through unsavory means. Its not that they actively want to hurt someone but if there is an issue but they can get ahead they will do it. Cheat on a test, steal a little money, not do a job to the best of their ability. In the end if they can get something out of it they will.

Sledge-hammer reinforcement message

Persuasiveness

How persuasive do you think this message is?

Open-ended

Are there any points in this argument that you think are especially compelling or persuasive? Please make a note of them here.

cond	compelling
high	The best, most persuasive sentence in their argument was “people act selfishly because society rewards it.” That was hard hitting and persuasive.
low	Stating that they form teams, families and communities makes you have a sense of belonging, like you belong and are accepted. Also stating that you get more done together than alone, also insinuates you will never be alone and have people around you that have your back as well.
high	people who are not selfish get exploited. I agree with this and have seen people too afraid get taken advantage of.
high	The world indeed places importance on competitiveness.
high	I think that when we see most people acting in a certain way, we tend to follow suit. So yeah “when we see others doing it, we do the same.”
low	How we form teams is very true. Being cooperative is natural and is expected like they said.
high	The fact that it is a reward can be a rather compelling argument and point of view.
high	The practical viewpoint of this message is what drives home to me how persuasive the message is to the reader.
low	The idea that cooperation is both morally right and practically useful is compelling. Saying we get more done together than alone highlights a truth most people have seen in real life. The point about trust leading to opportunities in life also feels very real and persuasive. It makes sense that being honest and kind builds strong relationships over time.
high	I found the point that “people who are not selfish are exploited” persuasive because it is mostly true.
low	I like how they provided examples of how we form teams, families, and communities as it is a good example of that. I think they drove home points similar to what I wrote so I inherently think it is a good persuasive message since what I thought of was similar.
low	I think the idea of the formation of teams, family units, etc is a very good one and is indicative of our natural tendencies.
high	The fact that people are rewarded for their misdeeds.
low	The formation of teams, families and communities. These things could not happen if the majority of people weren’t cooperative and honest in at least some respect.
high	The mention that people who don’t act that way get exploited is especially compelling because I think most people who are kind have had that experience. This argument makes it easy to generalize and condemn the behavior.
low	I like how they touch on how cooperation is the basis of how our society works. Bringing up how cooperation is essential in professional roles is also a good, strong point.
low	We get more work done together than alone. I really like this arguement, because it’s absolutely true. There is so much more that we can do when we work together.
high	I agree with the fact that systems incentivize standing out and winning.
low	All points are good. There is nothing I disagree with here.
low	The basis of how society works really sticks out, along with “it’s what’s expected.”
low	I think the sentence about forming teams, families, and communities is compelling because it shows that society can work as a whole to help the world. I also like the point that leads to professional growth through cooperation and good examples.
high	The first sentence that society rewards being selfish and getting ahead. There are no consequences for exploiting others.
high	The sentence on exploitation was compelling because nobody wants to get exploited. So, I think people will really be persuaded just by reading that sentence.
high	I like the part about the pressure to get ahead making it normal to lie and compete.
low	I agree with the points made above. We should all work together
high	“People who don’t act that way get exploited”. That’s it in a nutshell.
high	The part where society awards selfishness. Those people that are competing at a higher level are usually the ones who get ahead even if they are worse people on paper. People who are not competitive usually are doormats.
high	It acknowledges that society is rotten and that there is no escaping it and our only option is to adapt to it.
low	The idea of trust as an important element of someone’s reputation is an interesting point.
low	It feels very relatable to a very large audience. Every one has a family and has been on a team at some point.
low	That cooperation is the basis of society and that cooperative behavior is what is going to help you get ahead in life personally and professionally.
low	Cooperation and community are powerful. The writers makes the argument that forming teams is what matters.
low	That we get more done together than alone and that cooperation is the basis of how society works. Cooperative behavior becomes the standard and what is expected.
low	I think bringing out family and teams really does show that us as humans do tend to do thing with others.
high	I agree with the fact that when other people see tactics work for others, they then emulate those actions in an attempt to also acquire those gains.
low	How cooperation is essential for achieving more together and how kindness and honesty earn trust and open doors.
high	It is persuasive because the arguments are pretty accurate, and I can relate to it.. I believe the explanation is true, so this makes it persuasive.
low	They highlighted the same point I tried to make, that society functions because people begin working together at the bottom with others to start forming larger and larger groups that work together towards common purpose. I also liked that ethics foster rewarding relationships and careers.
low	Cooperation starts with family and goes outward. It is the basis for society. Kind works start at home.
high	I noticed that they were talking about lying to get ahead. That is definitely one way to do it.
low	’-We can do more together than alone -People also benefit personally by cooperating
low	The part about these behaviors earning trust really stands out to me.
low	i thin the message is quite persuasive because it taps into a universal truth cooperation is essential for progress the idea that people who are kind honest and supportive earn trust is particular compelling
low	We form teams, families, communities, because we get more done together than alone.
low	It’s true that society is formed by families, teams and communities.
low	Nope, I cannot say that there are. This is true in rural homogenous populations but is always destroyed by larger communities (cities) and forced diversity and integration of groups with misaligned cultural values.
high	Pointing out how it works for others so we copy this behavior.
low	While I agree that cooperation is the right thing to do there needs to be a better argument as to why it is the right thing
low	The fact that forming teams, families, and communities allows us to get more things done and to live in harmony.
high	People act selfishly because they are rewarded. People need to stand out. Lying is normalized.
low	The part in the beginning where they stated that cooperation is the right thing to do and it is also the basis of how society works.
high	society rewards selfishness, pressure makes it normal
high	People who don’t act selfishly get exploited. This creates a justification for the behavior.
low	The most compelling point is that we get more done together than alone. It’s also true that people who are kind and honest usually earn trust, which helps in both work and personal life.
high	Mentioning that we follow in others’ amoral footsteps is a rather strong point. It’s definitely true that when negative behavior becomes rampant, it appears less negative to others, and thus leads to more people acting that way.
low	More productive as team effort, professional benefits
high	I think mentioning school and work as places that reward competition are great examples.
low	we accomplish more than we ever could alone, demonstrating that cooperation is essential for progress. People who consistently act with kindness, honesty, and support not only build trust but also create stronger relationships that benefit everyone involved. Over time, these behaviors become the norm—what society expects and values—because they foster a safe, reliable, and thriving social environment. Recognizing that cooperation and helpfulness are widespread encourages us all to follow these positive examples, strengthening our communities every day.
low	people form a families and neighborhoods to achieve more than what they can accomplish alone
high	I think pointing out that people who don’t act that way get exploited is a good point because most of us have had that experience before.
low	I thought the part about getting more done together than alone was a particularly powerful. They should have led with that.
low	The author does a good job of describing how socialization occurs in society, but he doesn’t adequately connect it to how that is the right thing to do. It would be more compelling if he gave an added example of the consequences of not doing it to drive home the impact and importance of cooperation.
high	Selfishly and competitive; society rewards us for this behavior.
high	I think it plays on very basic examples in all spheres of life that we can relate to. People are competitive and no one likes to lose, no matter what they are doing. And winners are rewarded for bad behavior, so why change?
high	I think “we need to stand out, we need to win” is very compelling.
low	The idea that kindness opens doors in both personal and professional situations was very compelling.
low	That we get more done as a group, therefore it is more beneficial to be cooperative
low	I like how they said we get more done together because its true, no individual can do as much as a lot of people
low	None, I do not find any persuasive aspects to this argument.
low	The most compelling points are that we are rewarded with trust for kind and honest behavior, leading to established standards.
low	I agree with he person that we tend to form teams, families, and communities. As Humans, we strive to form connections and bonds between one another.
high	Society rewards selfish behavior. People would be less likely to do it if it wasn’t rewarded.
high	It’s on the first line. People act selfishly because society rewards it.
high	“When we see those tactics working for others, we stop judging and start doing the same.”
high	The fact that we need to stand out is very compelling and true.
low	it basically explains how human life normally works. we don’t have a choice but to trust each other.
high	The part that people get exploited if they don’t act selfishly.
low	I like the fact that they mention about the different groups people make.
high	It was very convincing when the person said you’ll get exploited if you don’t act selfishly.
high	This awful truth was well dictated by Machiavelli in his book
high	We need to win. We see those tactics working for others.
high	I think it is alarmingly true that society rewards selfish and highly competitive acts. It’s sad but true.
high	I think that the idea that you either manipulate or get manipulated is persuasive.
low	I like that this argument includes a family approach. I think everyone will understand what it means to be part of a family.
high	I think the first two sentences standout because they lay the framework for the message, society rewards selfish behavior, and if you are not selfish you will be exploited. You either get ahead in life or you are trod upon based upon your level of selfish behaviors.
low	Working together creates trust and that leads to more opportunities in your personal and professional life. People expect it.
low	The mention of forming families, teams and communities to accomplish more is a compelling point to me.
low	The part where they said we form teams, families, and communities, because we get more done together than alone.
high	people that don’t act that way get exploited, that is very true
low	We get more done together than alone, is a good argument because it is true, and it is positive.
high	Pointing out that these behaviors are rewarded in society throughout different stages of our lives
low	I think because it is the basis of society is the most compelling argument.
high	The points that in school and work and dating we need to stand out and win is persuasive. The statement that it is practical in this world to lie and compete is compelling and persuasive as they state others are seen doing this and it works.
low	I think the most compelling statement is that by exhibiting the behaviors, trust is earned and in turn trust can open doors leading to success.
high	The point about pressure being normal is compelling because it is true that humans often react and interact with the world based on what they’ve seen other people do.
high	The part about people who don’t act selfishly getting exploited really rings true based on what I’ve seen in my lifetime. You don’t have to look far to see examples of this - nice people often do get taken advantage of in business and relationships. The argument connects everyday experiences like school, work, and dating that everyone can relate to, which makes it feel more believable.
high	‘’People act selfishly because society rewards it’’. This is the heart of the argument..
high	Selfish behavior is rewarded in society and needing to win at any cost is as well.
low	I think the formation of teams, families, and communities is a compelling argument, since this is something we do in different forms.
high	The commentor stating that we need to stand out in order to win is a valid argument.
low	There is nothing especially compelling or persuasive here. All the key points the writer makes is just basic common sense and does not add any new insights to this topic.
high	Society rewards bad behavior!! This is sad, but true!
low	The only part that I thought was particularly compelling was when they stated “we get more done together than alone” but that also isn’t persuasive, that’s just stating a fact.
high	Lying and competing are accepted because it works.
low	“We get more done together than alone” makes sense because it is very reasonable to assume that with more help, more work could be done at a quicker pace.
high	“We need to stand out, we need to win” is a sentiment that a lot of people would resonate with. I know I definitely do.
high	That it Is normal to lie and to compete at all cost.
high	People are selfish because society rewards it. At school and work we need to stand out we need to win
high	I like their focus on “if you can’t beat them join them” I think it’s a very good point that when seeing somebody behave “badly” get rewarded instead of punished it makes it harder to hold a moral high ground over them
high	This person essentially said what I said but with more detail. We do what is best for us first.
high	I wholeheartedly believe that the statement that society rewards selfishness is true.
low	I think mentioning that it is the whole basis of society is a great touch.
high	The point that societal pressure incentivizes lying and competition.
low	“cooperative behavior becomes the standard” was very compelling. bringing up that cooperation is how we do basic everyday tasks like building teams and in professional settings was a great point.
high	I liked how the writer mentioned judging other people. The world is definitely a very judgemental place.
high	The second sentence about if you do not act you get exploited.
high	The first sentence has a good hook and is very true in many cases.
low	The most persuasive part of the message is that when we are kind honest and supportive doors will open up.
high	People who don’t act selfish get exploited. We need to stand out to win.
low	The reminder that we get more done together and that becomes a known expectation
high	I can understand that some people will try to be good, but when they see that being nice doesn’t work, but being deceitful does, then they will change their approach.
high	The examples they make to illustrate their point.
high	I think this person makes a good point that being selfish results in being rewarded. We see it happen to other people, so we imitate that.
high	The point of society rewarding such behavior is very compelling as it can be easily proven with many examples.
high	The point seems like a valid perspective for a large number of people.
high	Unselfish people are exploited and everything is a competition.
low	Think the whole thing written is pretty convincing so I would go with that.
high	I think it’s compelling to say that when we see those tactics work for others, we stop judging and start doing the same.
low	The most compelling parts are describing how teams, families, and communities are formed because of cooperation. Also, that opportunities arise or doors open when people exhibit kindness, honesty, and are supportive.
low	I think the focus on cooperation is persuasive here as you can see that in every day life. That’s how communities form.
high	I think what stood out for me in this argument was when they stated that people will see others using these tactics and eventually stop judging them in a negative way. Especially when they see others succeed. Kind of an ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ mentality. I also agree, society, especially these days, seems to reward this kind of behavior.
high	I think the most compelling part is that everyone wants to stand out. Everyone wants to grow and will cheat because society rewards the victors.
low	I think they’re right that it’s the basis of how society works. Society can’t function without cooperation.
low	People who kind gain trust Trust is a building block of society
low	The point of forming teams, families, and communities is true and was very compelling to me.
low	I think making the point that societies organize in groups of families, teams and communities makes a good point that we are generally cooperative because it is helpful to us as a society and as an individual.
low	The statement that “… over time, that cooperative behavior becomes standard….”
low	I like the user’s emphasis on groups like families and teams. Those cannot function well without positive cooperation.
high	Staing that we observe those behaviors being rewarded before exhibiting them ourselves is very persuasive.
low	I think his argument that we get more done together than alone is compelling. Almost like divided we fall, united we stand.
high	How People are rewarded for selfishness as that’s really true and direct.
low	It mentions families. Most people have families, so they can identify with this sort of reasoning.
high	I do not any points in the argument that are compelling I think they are reasons not to
high	It provides specific areas of life where these tactics are necessary and does a good job of justifying and normalizing such actions.
low	They too agree that it can open doors by being kind and honest.
low	The immediate connection between cooperation adn the fundamental structure of society, the tangible examples of “teams, families, and communities,” and the direct link between positive behaviors and positive outcomes
low	Mostly just eh idea that it’s expected because that rolls over to generations
low	Prosocial behavior is the foundation for a functional society.
low	I like that they said we get more done together than alone, that makes it very compelling because I feel like that’s true.
low	Getting more together than alone was a good way to persuade.
high	I think the portion about society rewarding it and people who don’t take part in selfish action get exploited. Nobody wants to be taken advantage of by others.
low	The line about how humans form teams, families, and communities because they are more successful together feels like a solid argument.
low	I like the angle that we get more done together than alone and the point that people have these virtues tend to have more doors and opportunities open to them
low	We get more done together than alone. Cooperative behavior becomes the standard, it’s what’s expented.
high	Society does reward people acting selfish. This was a very good point.
low	Saying people who are kind, honest, and supportive often earn trust which opens doors is persuasive because its true and can lead to success in a lot of places.
low	I think this person is correct. We should cooperate and the rewards basically will be an improved world and being a better person.
low	i think the point of fostering trust will be beneficial in the professional and personal life
high	From a purely pavlovian standpoint it makes a lot of sense. You appear better or have more or act more confident or seem richer, the more attention or success you can get. However I think this is all external rewarding, and sooner or later everyone realizes the external cannot create internal fulfillment or happiness.
high	This explains the cause of lying and cheating, but it doesn’t try to persuade you to do so
high	Society rewarding those who are selfish gives some influence. The idea of morality is not of true value to most people in a vacuum.
high	“People act selfishly because society rewards it.” This sentence makes me reflect on successful people and how they may have gotten there, making me question if the author is right
low	I think this message is pretty persuasive because it connects cooperation with things we all value like trust, relationship and success. The part that stands out most to me is the idea that we get more done together that alone.
low	I think I like when the writer wrote, ” people who are kind, honest, and supportive often earn trust.” I think hearing this is an acknowledgment putting this into practice is not just rewarding because you feel well to contribute positively but also there are benefits you reap.
high	What stands out the most is that its the pressure society places, not what an individual wants for themselves. They have to conform to society.
high	When we see those tactics working for others, we stop judging and do the same. We need to stand out
low	Saying cooperative behavior becomes the standard and eventually will become the normal standard to live by.
high	I like the last sentence because it makes me think that I should accept the tactics and mimic it so I can achieve the same thing.
low	His point that we get more done together than alone.
high	About how when we see others acting that way we eventually think that it is normal.
low	The part that stood out most is when they said, it’s the basis of how society works. That sums up the arguement well.
high	The first sentence and the last sentence make the most compelling points of this argument.
high	The first sentence says it all. We are rewarded for bad behavior because society condones it.
high	I think the writer was spot on, unfortunately, with the observation that society usually rewards selfish people.
low	That cooperations end up helping out others and like to donate food to people that are in need.
high	Society rewards the selfish and greedy but punishes the others.
high	I think honest people may be rewarded after death but selfish people reap rewards right on earth so, yes, society rewards. People see they can get something for nothing so, why not.
high	The first sentence is very eye-catching: people act selfishly because society rewards it. It sets up the rest of the writer’s message well.
high	The fact that it is just practical in this world to act this way
low	we get more done together cooperative behaviour becomes the standard
high	People act selfishly and get rewarded is the argument that stands out most to me in their persuasive paragraph.
high	The overall argument is solid, but the mention of seeing those tactics work for others makes the whole argument more compelling.
high	I think that the first two sentences have good emotional appeal to make people worried about being exploited or missing out.
low	The fact that specific examples of different types of groups helps reinforce that in smaller ways that the original ask is true.
high	It’s a competition out there and if lying and dishonest behavior isn’t punished, then why not do it
high	the pressure to succeed can cause people to do things that aren’t moral or compassionate as a society should be. Lying and undercutting others to get ahead can work for some and that causes others think it is acceptable.
high	Excellent assessment. Bringing up the need to win is critical in understand why people act this way. If you dont do it it will be done to you.

Relationship expectancies

What impact do the following leadership behaviors have on leaders’ relationships with their subordinates?

Below is a list of behaviors that leaders may exhibit in organizational settings. For each behavior, please indicate the impact you think it has on their relationships with subordinates.

1. Apply pressure to encourage people to perform tasks they might resist doing
2. Use the possibility of consequences such as costs or punishment as a tool to motivate people
3. Be blunt and candid when giving feedback to subordinates
4. Be stern and harsh when people make mistakes
5. Show sympathy and understanding when people don’t live up to expectations [R]
6. Be quick to apologize and take responsibility, even when others are at fault [R]
7. Defer to others’ views and opinions when there are disagreements [R]

Cronbach’s alpha = 0.64

Hmm, these items don’t hold together so nicely. Let’s look at each distribution separately.

ok, we’ll do some consistency analyses at the end to see which items we should drop.

Influence expectancies

What impact do the following leadership behaviors have on leaders’ influence over their subordinates?

Below is a list of behaviors that leaders may exhibit in organizational settings. For each behavior, please indicate the impact you think it has on their influence over subordinates.

1. Apply pressure to encourage people to perform tasks they might resist doing
2. Use the possibility of consequences such as costs or punishment as a tool to motivate people
3. Be blunt and candid when giving feedback to subordinates
4. Be stern and harsh when people make mistakes
5. Show sympathy and understanding when people don’t live up to expectations [R]
6. Be quick to apologize and take responsibility, even when others are at fault [R]
7. Defer to others’ views and opinions when there are disagreements [R]

Cronbach’s alpha = 0.74

Self-reported dominance

If you were in a position of leadership, what is the likelihood that you would engage in the following behaviors?
1. Apply pressure to encourage people to perform tasks they might resist doing
2. Use the possibility of consequences such as costs or punishment as a tool to motivate people
3. Be blunt and candid when giving feedback to subordinates
4. Be stern and harsh when people make mistakes
5. Show sympathy and understanding when people don’t live up to expectations [R]
6. Be quick to apologize and take responsibility, even when others are at fault [R]
7. Defer to others’ views and opinions when there are disagreements [R]

Cronbach’s alpha = 0.71

Alright - we’re definitely much less skewed. That’s a good start.

Competitive Worldview

1. It’s a dog-eat-dog world where you have to be ruthless at times
   
2. Life is not governed by the “survival of the fittest.” We should let compassion and moral laws be our guide [R]
   
3. There is really no such thing as “right” and “wrong.” It all boils down to what you can get away with
   
4. One of the most useful skills a person should develop is how to look someone straight in the eye and lie convincingly
   
5. It is better to be loved than to be feared [R]
   
6. My knowledge and experience tell me that the social world we live in is basically a competitive “jungle” in which the fittest survive and succeed, in which power, wealth, and winning are everything, and might is right
   
7. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and never do anything unfair to someone else [R]
   
8. Basically people are objects to be quietly and coolly manipulated for one’s own benefit
   
9. Honesty is the best policy in all cases [R]
   
10. One should give others the benefit of the doubt. Most people are trustworthy if you have faith in them [R]

Cronbach’s alpha = 0.85

Ease of making argument: High

How easy was it for you to write a persuasive argument for this sentiment?

People are fundamentally competitive and selfish. In this cutthroat world, the only way to get ahead is by deceit, aggression, and putting yourself first.

Ease of making argument: Low

How easy was it for you to write a persuasive argument for this sentiment?

People are fundamentally cooperative and helpful. In this communal world, what leads to success is honesty, kindness, and helping others.

Agreement: High

Before the study today, to what extent did you agree with the following sentiment?

People are fundamentally competitive and selfish. In this cutthroat world, the only way to get ahead is by deceit, aggression, and putting yourself first.

Agreement: Low

Before the study today, to what extent did you agree with the following sentiment?

People are fundamentally cooperative and helpful. In this communal world, what leads to success is honesty, kindness, and helping others.

Analysis

Competitive Worldview

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	97	2.963917	0.9962623
low	90	2.557778	0.9362821

t(184.97) = 2.87, p = 0.005, Lower CI = 0.13, Upper CI = 0.68, d = 0.42.

Again - moving CWV. That’s good to see.

Relationship expectancies

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	97	3.041237	0.8813445
low	90	2.923809	0.7650350

t(184.2) = 0.97, p = 0.331, Lower CI = -0.12, Upper CI = 0.36, d = 0.14.

Not much movement here.

Influence expectancies

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	97	3.421208	1.042337
low	90	3.226984	1.005578

t(184.71) = 1.3, p = 0.196, Lower CI = -0.1, Upper CI = 0.49, d = 0.19.

Dominance

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	97	3.303387	0.9621356
low	90	3.179365	0.8697735

t(184.88) = 0.93, p = 0.356, Lower CI = -0.14, Upper CI = 0.39, d = 0.14.

Correlations

Full sample

Correlation matrix

df_recd_elg %>%
  dplyr::select(CWV:easy,agree_compet,agree_coop,pers) %>%
  corPlot(upper = TRUE,stars = TRUE,xsrt = 270)

Mediation model: Relationship expectancies

a = 0.4 (p = 0)
b = 0.66 (p = 0)
direct = 0.5 (p = 0)
indirect = 0.24 (p = 0)

Mediation model: Relationship expectancies and influene expectancies

Relationship a = 0.4 (p = 0)
Relationship b = 0.45 (p = 0)
Influence a = 0.49 (p = 0)
Influence b = 0.31 (p = 0)
direct = 0.5 (p = 0)
indirect = 0.17 (p = 0.001)

High CWV condition

Correlation matrix

df_recd_elg %>%
  filter(cond == "high") %>% 
  dplyr::select(CWV:easy,agree_compet,agree_coop,pers) %>%
  corPlot(upper = TRUE,stars = TRUE,xsrt = 270)

Mediation model: Relationship expectancies

a = 0.39 (p = 0)
b = 0.71 (p = 0)
direct = 0.54 (p = 0)
indirect = 0.27 (p = 0)

Mediation model: Relationship expectancies and influene expectancies

Relationship a = 0.39 (p = 0)
Relationship b = 0.53 (p = 0)
Influence a = 0.46 (p = 0)
Influence b = 0.25 (p = 0.001)
direct = 0.54 (p = 0)
indirect = 0.22 (p = 0.001)

Low CWV condition

Correlation matrix

df_recd_elg %>%
  filter(cond == "low") %>% 
  dplyr::select(CWV:easy,agree_compet,agree_coop,pers) %>%
  corPlot(upper = TRUE,stars = TRUE,xsrt = 270)

Mediation model: Relationship expectancies

a = 0.42 (p = 0)
b = 0.58 (p = 0)
direct = 0.46 (p = 0)
indirect = 0.22 (p = 0.014)

Mediation model: Relationship expectancies and influene expectancies

Relationship a = 0.42 (p = 0)
Relationship b = 0.34 (p = 0.003)
Influence a = 0.53 (p = 0)
Influence b = 0.38 (p = 0)
direct = 0.46 (p = 0)
indirect = 0.12 (p = 0.136)

Extra

Moderators

Sledge-hammer persuasiveness

DV: CWV

DV: Relationship expectancies

DV: Self behavior

Ease of writing argument

DV: CWV

DV: Relationship expectancies

DV: Self behavior

Previous agreement with High CWV sentiment

DV: CWV

DV: Relationship expectancies

DV: Self behavior

Previous agreement with Low CWV sentiment

DV: CWV

DV: Relationship expectancies

DV: Self behavior

Scale consistency analysis

	n	raw.r	std.r	r.cor	r.drop	mean	sd
exp_rel_1	187	0.5690226	0.5692576	0.4521385	0.3483102	3.358289	1.525755
exp_rel_2	187	0.6390744	0.6349943	0.5645422	0.4342708	2.871658	1.553559
exp_rel_3	187	0.5340397	0.5281476	0.3953933	0.3070449	3.967914	1.513039
exp_rel_4	187	0.6619089	0.6902668	0.6512570	0.5117635	2.117647	1.247388
exp_rel_5R	187	0.5875475	0.6247988	0.5406934	0.4350792	2.016043	1.138174
exp_rel_6R	187	0.5450900	0.5214891	0.4027489	0.2915674	2.925134	1.676773
exp_rel_7R	187	0.4493056	0.4262367	0.2505820	0.1922589	3.636364	1.588386

Ok, let’s drop item 7.

New alpha value = 0.652

Ok, not bad. Let’s see if this works for influence expectancies and self-dominance as well.

Influence expectancies alpha value = 0.743

Self behavior alpha value = 0.728

Ok, that’s better. Let’s see if this shortened scale performs a little better.

Relationship expectancies: Short

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	97	2.936426	0.9218425
low	90	2.811111	0.8298429

t(184.84) = 0.98, p = 0.329, Lower CI = -0.13, Upper CI = 0.38, d = 0.14.

Influence expectancies: Short

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	97	3.328179	1.112184
low	90	3.144444	1.073806

t(184.7) = 1.15, p = 0.252, Lower CI = -0.13, Upper CI = 0.5, d = 0.17.

Dominance: Short

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	97	3.180412	1.032647
low	90	3.031481	0.914884

t(184.62) = 1.05, p = 0.297, Lower CI = -0.13, Upper CI = 0.43, d = 0.15.

Hmm, doesn’t change much.

Item-by-item analysis

Let’s see if there are items that are closer than others. I won’t do any stats here, just show means.

Relationship expectancies

## `summarise()` has grouped output by 'item'. You can override using the
## `.groups` argument.

item	cond	Mean	SD
exp_rel_1	high	3.329897	1.4910961
exp_rel_1	low	3.388889	1.5700458
exp_rel_2	high	2.804124	1.5588402
exp_rel_2	low	2.944444	1.5532576
exp_rel_3	high	4.082474	1.5855474
exp_rel_3	low	3.844444	1.4293167
exp_rel_4	high	2.154639	1.2611189
exp_rel_4	low	2.077778	1.2382280
exp_rel_5R	high	2.092783	1.2672351
exp_rel_5R	low	1.933333	0.9807129
exp_rel_6R	high	3.154639	1.8782761
exp_rel_6R	low	2.677778	1.3968486
exp_rel_7R	high	3.670103	1.6183946
exp_rel_7R	low	3.600000	1.5636316

Influence expectancies

## `summarise()` has grouped output by 'item'. You can override using the
## `.groups` argument.

item	cond	Mean	SD
exp_infl_1	high	3.855670	1.689364
exp_infl_1	low	3.700000	1.645218
exp_infl_2	high	3.443299	1.898295
exp_infl_2	low	3.211111	1.863273
exp_infl_3	high	4.381443	1.577467
exp_infl_3	low	4.044444	1.571596
exp_infl_4	high	2.711340	1.689174
exp_infl_4	low	2.544444	1.723343
exp_infl_5R	high	2.412371	1.264520
exp_infl_5R	low	2.233333	1.332818
exp_infl_6R	high	3.164948	1.835304
exp_infl_6R	low	3.133333	1.650332
exp_infl_7R	high	3.979381	1.626470
exp_infl_7R	low	3.722222	1.528955

Dominance

## `summarise()` has grouped output by 'item'. You can override using the
## `.groups` argument.

item	cond	Mean	SD
dom_1	high	3.412371	1.532649
dom_1	low	3.533333	1.594936
dom_2	high	2.835052	1.598700
dom_2	low	2.822222	1.480797
dom_3	high	4.309278	1.703922
dom_3	low	3.866667	1.493055
dom_4	high	2.350516	1.216563
dom_4	low	2.133333	1.210441
dom_5R	high	2.309278	1.261289
dom_5R	low	2.277778	1.171072
dom_6R	high	3.865979	1.835012
dom_6R	low	3.555556	1.716484
dom_7R	high	4.041237	1.670314
dom_7R	low	4.066667	1.606168