RECD: May 2025C

Background

Here, we’re trying the castro paradigm, followed by a scenario of managerial dominance and direct predictions about that scenario.

Demographics

Race

race	N	Perc
asian	12	6.0
black	26	13.0
hispanic	11	5.5
multiracial	11	5.5
white	136	68.0
NA	4	2.0

Gender

gender	N	Perc
man	99	49.5
woman	99	49.5
NA	2	1.0

Age

age_mean	age_sd
39.96907	10.69788

Education

edu	N	Perc
GED	48	24.0
2yearColl	38	19.0
4yearColl	70	35.0
MA	29	14.5
PHD	14	7.0
NA	1	0.5

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
low	Whenever there is a tragedy in the world, a lot of people will step up to help. Whether that’s donating money or their time, many people genuinely care and want to help others. We are strongest when we look out for each other and show one another kindness.
high	People will do almost anything to get ahead. Most people in power have been selfish and competitive to get where they are. That is how to get ahead. It has been proven for thousands of years.
low	People by nature are people pleasers and they really don’t want to be unhelpful or uncooperative because it makes them feel bad so if you give most people a good reason they will cooperate fully and be kind and helpful because it makes them feel good about themselves
low	Human beings are made for community. We are genetically evolved to be social animals. In an absence of a system that pits us against each other, our natural inclination is to work as a team and support each other. When we break free of the capitalist system that innaturally promotes competition rather than cooperation, we can achieve more success.
low	At the heart of every thriving society is cooperation which is people working together to build communities, support one another and create long lasting success.
low	Most people like to be helpful in their day to day lives. Helping others makes people feel better about themselves, so most people are likely to lend a hand when someone is in need.
low	The only way to succeed in this universe is together. Each individual may be stupid and scared, but together humanity is strong. A single horse working alongside a friend can pull more than 10x the burden alone
high	Most people need to do things to get ahead that may seem uncomfortable. But each person has to do what is necessary to get ahead and be successful in life. They need to put themselves first. This is a common practice, which most people apply to themselves.
high	People are only out for themselves these days. The world is a very serious place where everyone is trying to put themselves first. One example is when i’m scrolling tiktok and if someone mentions they share finances with their spouse, they are shamed. No one shares anything anymore. Even in marriage. One little mistake, everyone is calling for a divorce.
high	In the world we live in only ourselves can make sure we are taken care of and get our needs met. You need to be sure you survive as isn’t that the ultimate goal? You want to have the best of everything so you need to push beyond others and do what it takes to win and succeed. Others will admire you and look up to you and that is also a reward in itself. Be the best, whatever it takes. This will ensure your survival and happiness.
low	Everyone is cooperative and helpful. We wouldn’t be where we are with the advancements we have if people didn’t help each other. The only way we have all the products, services and ideas we have is because people helped each other. One person cannot do things alone, and our victories are because people cooperate and collaborate together.
high	The vast majority of people act on self-interest. Even people who believe they are kind and selfless are actually making decisions based on what benefits them the most. Although they believe they’re being selfless, in reality they’re cherry picking facts and reverse engineering their decisions to convince themselves they made the less selfish choice. It is human nature, and we are excellent at deceiving ourselves.
low	ALot is going on in the world right now. The climate has changed, the politicians are insane and people are fighting to feed their families. Please be mindful, that there are still good people in this world who are there to provide support, and kindness.
low	Most of the time, most people are generally genuinely kind, and helpful. Typically Caucasians have immense altruism, which means it’s literally in our DNA to be nice and we genuinely want to help others when we can. Now, other races may behave similar but im just speaking on experience from my own perspective. Most people have a good heart. We don’t want to intentionally hurt anyone whether it’s with our words or our actions. There is so much hate and toxicity in our lives and I feel that has made most people eager to be kind.
high	Look around, almost all the successful people you see are selfish assholes. The few who aren’t are the exception. One just has to look back at their history of bosses and superiors to do the simple math that the nice guy fi ishes last and the mean person almost always wins….sometime by cheating
high	The best way to get ahead in this world is to constantly be aggressive. In business, always compete and in reality the only winner is yourself. You don’t get anything special for 2nd place. Besides in reality isn’t the only thing that matters is getting your family ahead? By getting yourself in first place, it makes it easier for your family to gain advantages in education, work, environment, etc.
high	These days, people are concerned about climbing the ladder. They are used to playing fast-paced video games in which winning is everything, so they carry that philosophy onto the job.
low	Imagine a world where success isn’t built on competition but on collaboration. Where people lift each other up and lead with honesty, show kindness, and help one another. Doesn’t that sound like the kind of world worth believing in?
high	If you look at the people who have become rich and famous, they are not nice people. They don’t care about other people, and they put themselves first in every situation. This is what successful people do. Everyone acts like this in the world, and we should be prepared for people to behave like this.
low	There is one big piece of evidence that we cannot ignore when discussing whether people are fundamentally cooperative and helpful. When a natural disaster or crisis occurs, what happens? Observers more commonly feel empathy for those affected, and many people close to the crisis will extend their arms to help. Neighbors often check in with neighbors to see how they are doing. People donate time and resources to help others recover. I don’t deny that there are ill-intentioned people out there, but the more common outcome is cooperative and helpful actions.
low	Most people in our society want to get along and be treated kindly. The way you act towards others matters and they will often reciprocate
low	Small acts of kindness can lead a cascading effect on individuals. For instance, paying it forward, paying someone’s coffee in the morning can really boost the person’s mood and change their whole outlook for the day. We do not know the daily struggles someone may be having, the person may feel lost, lonely, and alone. Just a simple act of kindness can remind them that there are still kind people in this world that care. Even a simple warm smile or kind hello can boost a person’s mood by feeling acknowledged.
high	In this world one has to be aggressive and look out for yourself. If not you will be ignored and stepped on. It is the safest way to get ahead in life.
low	We often see that people are cooperative and helpful in every day situations- strangers stepping up to help each other for no reason other than it being the right thing to do, people helping others make things happen.
high	For the most part people tend to be competitive and selfish. Therefore a lot of people would use deceit and aggression to get ahead. People tend to put themselves first.
low	the earliest social trait humans developed is altruism, kindness for kindness, favor for favor; and honesty made it possible. We have built civilizations, countries, and societies on the idea that kindness, helping others, and dealing with honesty is worthwhile.
high	If you search your heart you know the above statement is true. Think about the last time you were in some sort of competition. Isn’t it true that you would have done anything to win. Isn’t it true that if given the opportunity you would choose yourself over any of the other contestants? Exactly. We as people are competitive and selfish. If given the opportunity between making yourself rich or making someone else poor you would no doubt choose to make yourself rich in a heartbeat.
high	You need to do what you have to to get ahead. No one is going to do things the fair way so you shouldn’t either. Fight with any means necessary to get what you want. If you don’t others will walk all over you and you will get nowhere in life.
low	Helping others and being kind is what makes the world turn. People are naturally helpful and generous because it’s in our nature.
high	In this world there’s truly only one person you can depend on who you know won’t hurt you, yourself. Why risk giving someone the chance to get more than you or to harm you? You have to strike while the iron is hot and make sure you get the things in your life that matter and that are the best things for you, and if you have to lie or manipulate situations, so be it! It’s what everyone else is doing to get the best for themselves.
high	People are always trying to achieve the best for themselves and put themselves first. You have to put yourself first and do what you need to do.
low	People are kind when given the chance. We all want whats best for each other, and will sipport others when we feel safe and loved. Kindness is not rare if you look for it. People are taking care of strangers everyday because it is out natural instinct.
low	I think when it comes down to it people can get past all the division and cooperate. When it’s really necessary your neighbor won’t let you down.
high	The people who aggressively pursue what they want will get it because they put all their attention and focus on that goal. Becuase they do that, they will get what they desire.
high	If you really pay attention, the people who get ahead in life are usually the ones who put themselves first. They can lie, cheat and step on others to win - and it works. You can see this in business and in politics.
high	Look around everywhere from boardrooms to politics to social media, the people who rise to the top are rarely the kindest or most honest. They’re the ones who know how to manipulate, compete, and prioritize themselves above others. It’s naive to think the world rewards fairness; in reality, success goes to those who are willing to bend the rules and act in their own interest. Most people are out for themselves, and if you’re not doing the same, you are failing behind. Self-interest isn’t just common - it’s survival.
high	Although the saying goes that slow and steady wins the race, we have seen throughout history that putting yourself first gets you up the ladder of importance and success. For instance, jobs that include commissions show that those who go the extra mile, whatever that entails, will have higher earnings.
high	They often say that the world is “Dog eat dog” and that is very much the case. In order to get to the top of the food chain, it requires trampling on those beneath you. People do not become billionaires by being honest and hardworking, they do so by being brutal and cutthroat. Most people when given any form of power will eventually abuse that power.
low	I’d think this was true the basis of human civilization is based on community and helping out your fellow man to do more than you could otherwise on your own. Think about a grocery story for example. 1,000’s of people’s hard work went into getting those products on the shelves for you to buy each week
low	Humans are naturally supposed to be good kind hearted people. Unfortunately, circumstances in the world today and personal issues have hardened the hearts of many people. Society as a whole and governments have created a system that has deterred us from who God created us to be on this earth.
low	Think about how you feel inside. Desperate for the world to cooperate, well you’re not special. Others are feeling the same way. Why are we hiding this beautiful desire for empathy. It’s in all of us at all times, once we realize this, success comes after every step forward.
low	When we help others and are honest with ourselves and others it makes us feel good. When we feel good we work harder and are kinder and feel happier overall. When we cooperate with others we feel good and this makes us work better together to achieve and accomplish more. When we practice working together we can achieve far more than we ever could alone. No big advancement in mankind has ever happened when one worked alone. Everyone has some help along the way.
high	While I personally feel otherwise, you have to accept that then in the world nearly everyone is only looking out for themselves. It’s just a matter of course that you often need to spread your altruistic nature and do what you need to do to look out for yourself. If you don’t, then you’ll only end up being taken advantage of and victimized. When in Rome, as they say.
low	No matter what you see on TV and social media, kindness, honesty, and helping of others is widespread. If you look at your neighbors, friends, family, and your community you will see many others trying to make this world a better place using love and kindness to guide them. The main stream media wants the drama and loves to show anything with shock value but if you look around you, it’s simply not true.
low	People generally just want to live and be happy. Most people will help you and cooperate with others. It’s just the jaded few with problems plaguing them that won’t help and spoil it for others. On a normal day most people you meet will be nice and friendly and coopertive.
low	Communities with like minded people come together to help others in need. This includes in cases like volunteering
high	People are very selffish in the world today, it’s really a unfair world. I don’t like it but it’s the world we live in. I really don’t like it, but it’s the way of the world. The world is tough out there and you have to be able to survive
low	People are fundamentally cooperative and helpful. Success is driven by honesty, kindness and helping others. This is not only prescriptive, but normal and widespread in our society. For example, consider that many people often give back equal to or more than they receive. If you are kind to someone, they are likely to return the favor, perhaps to an even greater degree. Conversely, if you are not cooperative and kind, you can almost guarantee you will not have a positive outcome now or in the future from your interaction. Because people generally want to reach ideal outcomes, we are naturally encouraged to act in ways that will produce these outcomes - that is, be kind and cooperative to get something equal or greater in return. Indeed, when we look it at it mathematically, a simple matrix of incentives such as the prisoner’s dilemma shows that cooperating is the ideal outcome. This is one of the most widespread and known concepts from the popular concept, “Game Theory.” Even if someone’s motivations are not always pure, the fact that they want positive outcomes encourages prosocial behaviors such as honesty, kindness, helping others. Unless we are working against ourselves actively or out of ignorance, in other words we want the best so we have to give our best to receive it.
high	It is basic human nature to look out for oneself and survive, it is normal. It is also easy so everyone does it. You should expect other humans to act like humans and not be surprised if they act selfish or act in self interest.
low	The idea that most people are cooperative and helpful can be observed everywhere, from first responders, people in the health profession, teachers, and almost any profession can be seen doing things to help others. Cooperation is necessary in school, work, doing charity work, playing sports, taking care of families and friends. It is everywhere, you just have to open your eyes to it.
low	Respect gets you far in the world, both in your personal life and work life. If you’re respected, you’re more likely to be recommended for jobs and promotions. You gain respect from being honest, kind, and helping others. This leads to others being open to you and more likely to help you in return. A little kindness can make you memorable to people.
low	Most people are a lot more helpful and kind than we give them credit for. If you look around you see neighbors lending a hand, strangers holding doors, people donating time and money. Being honest and decent is just how most people live. It’s usually the ones that play fair that end up doing well. Working together keeps everything running smoothly.
low	People are fundamentally cooperative and helpful. It’s the right thing to do, and it helps everyone. Since we all live together on this earth, we all need to work togetehr, be honest, kind, and help others. It’ll help everyone in the long run.
high	The qualities of selfishness, deceit, and aggression are commonplace in our society for getting ahead or gaining an advantage over others in life. It’s a natural process, a social natural selection, wherein people are put in situations to behave and operate with the aforementioned qualities. Even if people are not inherently self-centered, deceitful, or aggressive, the demands of social life, including work, bring out these qualities in people. We all want the best for ourselves and are competing with others who also want the best for themeselves, making these qualities required to get ahead over others.
high	I think that this perspective is true because the act of being competitive influences others to be competitive as well. If one person steps on another to get ahead, the person stepped on will want to step on others to climb back up, and the competitive behavior will just spread.
high	We can take our Chief Administration for example. How much deceit, aggression and putting themselves first have we witnessed in the first 100 days? People don’t care about anyone but themselves anymore. It’s a dog eat dog world and you better be prepared to live in it.
low	Most people are born with the desire to please others and cooperate. It is important for sustaining a community that individuals practice honest and kindness because these qualities are necessary for enhancing trust, which is absolutely vital for a collaborative community.
high	People will say they are kind and will do many things to help others but there are so many people that change there ways once they get money or fame. There are few rich and famous that are willing to give away much. Even when they donate or give money away, it is such a small percentage of their money that it makes no difference to them. On the other hand, people who win the lottery will sometimes hide their face and everything when going to collect their money. They dont want people they know to see them and beg/ask them for money. The lottery winner knows that people that know him/her will bother and possibly even rob them to get to their money. There is so much evil and greed in this world. You can see it everyday in the world around you. Look at the current economy and prices of housing and groceries. It is getting more difficult to survive because people are greedy and just want to continue increasing their unending wealth.
low	I like to think of small gestures when I look for the good and kindness in people. At the end of the day, I believe most people are kind and nice. If you’re walking down the street and see someone, you may smile and nod. If you’re walking into the store you may hold the door for the next person or vice versas. Sure there are examples where these don’t occur, but for every person who cuts you off in traffic a stranger may say “bless you!” when you sneeze in public.
high	If you want success, wealth, and notoriety in this cut throat world, you need to do whatever it takes to get ahead. Including deceiving others, using aggression, and putting yourself first, because that’s what others are doing. Stop worrying about others because they aren’t worrying about you, this is a selfish and competitive world.
low	I think everyone believes in different things but I believe they do it from a place of kindness and want you to have the best life possible. You might think they are wrong but if you look at it like they do, you will see the possibilities.
high	Human society has been subject to evolutionary changes throughout its existence in as many ways as species of the animal kingdom have. One consideration to make about evolution is that in its very essence, it promotes survival of the fittest as a rule, which means that those who have positive mutational differences that enable them to spread their genetic composition by having more children and healthier offspring will thrive. This makes a case for the prevalence of psychopathy in modern society today, and how it has potentially come about as an evolutionary advantage among the social population that is neurotypical. Psychopathy is a trait that benefits from the very vulnerabilities provided by empathic and sensitive human personalities, which shows that it has had marked success over time, as it’s now as common as 1 in every 100 or so people. The very essence of survival of the fittest demands competition, domination of resources, and aggression as a part of the psychological makeup if one is to have a large genetic impact in the gene pool.
high	The modern world is extremely competitive with limited resources. To care for yourself and your family one must do what is necessary. The vast majority of people are selfish and use deceit and aggression to get ahead and profit for themselves. Unfortunately, like it or not, this is the nature of man. The only way that an individual can compete against these forces is to adopt them for him or herself.
low	In my experience, people want to be helpful and cooperate whenever possible. Generally when I have needed others to be helpful and cooperative, for the most part (perhaps 85%-90% of the time) they have been. As social creatures I believe this is how are expected to behave, even when it seems difficult. In the long run, it will probably pay off.
low	Most people understand they are reliant on others and are decent people so they would rather get along instead of antagonizing others for no reason.
high	Let’s take a look at the systems in place first. The most deceitful of these is the realm of finance. The jobs in finance are the highest paying and we are told they are the most desirable. Yet what does Finance produce? It produces nothing. It takes what it did not build, it advises where it has no expertise, and it promises growth while at the same time using legal disclaimers indicating that it cannot guarantee anything. How can an entire industry promise something yet not guarantee it? Finance, much like the insurance industry is a skimming operation much worse than the cartel, because the cartel actually offers a product.
low	Human beings are social creatures fundamentally. We need one another to survive. Therefore it is in our best interest to be kind and caring to one another and look out for each other.
low	Most people you come across in life are kind and helpful. Think about the businesses you go to, the people you meet on the street most are honest, kind and would help others. You see it in natural disasters, accidents and when there is an emergency. Many people if put in the position will help in some way.
high	Resources are finite. Labor only allows for a certain amount of resources to be create in a given period of time. Therefore, it is entirely moral to acquire as much for yourself as you can. After all, if you don’t get it, someone else will.
low	We all want to get ahead and cooperation is the fastest way to do so. If you appear as such and are helpful, others will assist you in reaching your goals. Honesty, kindness and helping others is the easiest way to get easy momentum going. It’s easy to do and everyone else is doing it.
high	I know that we are taught from a young age that we shouldn’t be selfish and that we need to think of others when making decisions but that is not really true. You really need to think and put yourself, needs and wants ahead of others. To feel that it is a disservice to compete and to bend the truth when it comes to obtaining the things that you want is putting ourself second which is something you should never do. If you always think of others and are passive in the way you live your life you are allowing others to walk all over you and to get the things you want. The most important person that should matter to you is yourself that was you can have the best of everything in your life. You can only benefit from being firm and depending the things you want there is no room for meekness when trying to carve out your best self and life in this world.
high	The society we live in, especially in the United States, is a highly competitive capitalistic society. Selflessness, humility and kindness are objectively positive traits but they are certainly not rewarded to get ahead. Look at all of the people who become successful millionaires and billionaires; most of them have disdain and contempt for anyone below them and ruthlessly and greedily pursue more money and power. These are the kind of traits necessary to get ahead in this cutthroat world.
low	Despite all the doom and gloom that news outlets show us, there are always examples of people helping each other in day-to-day life. People paying for others’ groceries, helping to push cars that have died, and saving people from dangerous situations. People want to help each other, and it makes them feel good when they do.
high	The reason for people ultimately being competitive and selfish is that we are simply built this way. We all need to feel important and in control and in order to achieve that we strive for power. Also, all systems we have created (social, economic, etc.) reward competitiveness.
low	People are very willing to come to the aid of others. A helpful nature is fundamentally inborn in the majority of humans. The desire for a common peace is favored by most beings.
high	History is a series of people taking advantage of each other over and over. The second some one gets a chance to take something from you they will do it and not look back.
high	If you’re not willing to put yourself first and do what you have to in order to get ahead, then you’re only going to be left behind and get the table scraps everyone else leaves behind. It’s a hard world and hoping for handouts and people to show kindness isn’t a good strategy at all. Pretty much everyone is out for themselves.
high	Think about what you’ve experienced in your life. How often has someone lied to you, tricked you, or backstabbed you to get their own way? I’m sure it has. Do you really want to trust people to do the right thing? You have to look at for yourself first before anyone else in life, because almost everyone else will act that way towards you. Maybe it’s not an ideal way to live, but that’s how the world works, and you have to live in the world that we’re in.
low	The best way for people to move forward and advance is to cooperate and be helpful and kind. Kindness and empathy are not weaknesses they are what has advanced civilization forward for centuries. Everyone wants to help others and once we know that it will be easier to do.
low	It seems like there is more evil than good in the world, but there is always evidence that people are kind and fundamentally want to help each other. I think that on a primal level, humans recognize that their survival is dependent on being cooperative and helpful with each other. Humans are a communal animal, and I think we all recognize that helping each other will lead to further success.
high	There are way too many people in the world and only a limited number of resources. If you want what is the best for you and your family, you will have to fight for it. No one is going to just hand you anything. People are greedy and will take the best for themselves. If you want a share, you will have to compete with them first.
low	People rely on each other for support - both morally and physically. That social commitment to each other is a fundamental value that is cherished by everyone. They know that people will be there for times in need and likewise, people are willing to make sacrifices to help others. That kindness and honesty creates a social society where everyone is trusting in one another.
high	We’ve all interacted with, or even have been, republicans. What do they do? They look out for #1 (effectively or not) and screw everybody else. Do we want to emulate the republicans all the time? No! But you know what? They keep winning. Maybe they’re onto something. Screw everybody else, try to act only to your own benefit, and live your life the way you want. It’s clearly the way to get an edge.
high	It doesn’t take much effort to find individuals who have gotten their place in society through deceit and aggression. Take a look at nearly every leader in American government, every high-level executive, and billionaire. Most of them have numerous allegations against them for delinquent behavior, but because they are part of the elite they are able to quiet those allegations. A person who does not engage in questionable or aggressive behaviors is much less likely to rise to the top when pitted against those who do.
low	Many may believe that success is driven from stealing, cheating and lying. This is a complete myth, that comes from others negative experiences. People who are honest, kind and help others come by success much more than these other people. If you are kind to others, it is proven that they will be kind to you. This is something I use in my everyday working life, and it often helps me succeed more than I’d even think at some points.
high	It is natural to be competative in getting what we want. It has been that way since our ancestors would have to fight for meat, collect goods for the winters, or survive in times of shortage. We would always strive to get whats best for ourselves and that has happened time and time again as generations passed. Even now we find it everyday in our lives, people cut people off in traffic to get ahead just one spot, they will lie on a resume to secure a better job position, or immediately confront someone if they are wronged or taken advantage of. Competitiveness and selfishness is in our nature and found everywhere
low	I believe that people are fundamentally cooperative and helpful. Even when a person lies or cheats to get ahead, they know in the back of their mind that what they did is wrong. This is because as human beings we all have a moral compass of what is right and what is wrong. Human beings know that helping others, being kind and honest are what is considered the right thing to do. It aligns with our very golden rule that states treat others how you want to be treated. To further prove this idea that we do have a moral compass of being cooperative and helpful, when we see someone who is involved in some sort of crime such as a person who pulls out a knife on someone, while we may not do much our mind states, “We need to do something, this is wrong.” Otherwise, why would we even be feeling fear? In general, it’s not hard to prove that people are fundamentally helpful and supportive of others. Even if we don’t act on this notion, it is how we are wired to be as human beings.
low	When people come together, they can achieve things that were not thought to be possible. People often come together when there is honesty and kindness. This leads to people helping others.
high	Look around and you will see that the world rewards those who push hardest, speak loudest, and puts themselves first. From the board room to the the political arena, those who rise to the top do so by outmaneuvering everyone. Certainly not by playing fair but by being strategic, agressive, of course when necessary deception. It is naive to to think most people succeed through kindness alone.
high	People are indeed extremely selfish and no religious or moral teachings will deter them from this inherent characteristics. Every day, you see people behave in a selfish manner when they don’t care if others are harmed in the pursuit of their own goals. They often fail to take responsibility and lack accountability when their actions harm others. This is just the way that people are due to our highly competitive society where money and success are the main goals. Empathy and kindness are not valued in this society and it shows when innocent people are harmed but no one cares.
high	Over the past few decades, people have become so much more self-absorbed, deceitful, want instant gratification, and selfish. I blame this on social media. Social media has caused many people to think that they can say things and not suffer any consequences because they are behind a keyboard and that provides a sense of anonymity. Social media has also caused many people to think that they are entitled to getting instant information even if it’s not correct. So, basically, I am blaming social media as a huge downfall to humanity in general.
low	It is in our DNA to be helpful and kind to others. Our ancestors were successful in life due to forming community and building trust with others. That desire to build communities lies deep within each of us. To be truly successful, we must rely on others to help us when we are in need. Likewise, we must help others attain their ultimate happiness. In this, we form a community of honesty, trust, and kindness.
low	I believe this all comes back to the phrase ‘it takes a village’. Look back to our ancestors and the family dynamic they had. Everyone was close to everyone in their families, and if someone wasn’t close to their families odds are they were closer with neighbors. Right now we’re all in our own bubbles and feeling isolated but what if we popped that bubble and got to know our neighbors? I think people generally want the best for their communities but without a sense of community that won’t be achieved, we can collaborate with each other and achieve positive ends for everyone.
low	Most people are kind and honest. It is the most common approach and that is why we don’t hear about it often. This is similar to plane crashes on the news. When a plane crashes it is big news, but we rarely hear about the hundreds of thousands of successful landings that happen every day. Similarly in the perspective of vehicle accidents, the news rarely reports on car accidents unless the reach a certain level of damage or carnage.
high	If you want to be successful in today’s world, you must do whatever you can to get ahead. Nobody is going to pay your bills or put food on your table except you so you need to remember that! Even if you might feel bad about what you’re doing, remember, it’s human nature to look our for number 1.
low	I think seeing the impact that they could potentially make would really make a difference. Some people don’t like contributing because to them it seems like it would really pay off in the end.
high	Just look at the people at the top of society. The billionaire CEOs continue to be successful because they continue to exploit the working class. If they paid everyone a generous wage and gave them great benefits, they would not be as rich as they are.
low	Look around: the people who truly thrive often do so through honesty, kindness, and helping others. These behaviors aren’t rare - they’re the everyday actions that build strong communities. Expecting good will isn’t idealistic, it’s recognizing a common human tendency that ultimately serves us all.
low	I myself thoroughly believe, and will continue to push this narrative in the future. The one saying I can say that I believe works, and really strikes a nerve with people is, “Kill them with kindness.” Rude people don’t know how to handle that statement, and it makes them think about their decisions. Which is headed in the right direction.
high	In today’s competitive world, individuals are frequently motivated by self-interest, sometimes resorting to deceit and aggression in their quest for success. These behaviors have become commonplace as they are seen as essential for surviving and prospering in a cutthroat society. People tend to prioritize their own interests, often sidelining ethical considerations when personal gain is involved, leading these actions to be both widespread and accepted.
low	In our interconnected world, the most successful individuals are those who embody honesty, kindness, and a genuine commitment to helping others. These traits are not merely idealistic aspirations; they form the foundation of our social fabric. Every day, we witness remarkable acts of cooperation and support—from neighbors stepping up for one another to communities uniting in times of need. This spirit of collaboration and mutual aid is the driving force behind progress and creates a strong sense of belonging. By wholeheartedly embracing these values, we not only elevate our own lives but also foster a more harmonious and thriving society.
high	Everyone knows that behind every great success story or fortune, there is a great crime. In this society, no one plays it fair. The only way to succeed is to stomp on the toes of others and be as Machiavellian as possible. That is the only way. Don’t be ashamed or feel any remorse because in the end, it is all about you. Who care what others think? The world is cruel and you are just finding the best course through the muck.
high	In our modern world, competition is king. Only those willing to put themselves first will find themselves at the top. While for many this thought can be upsetting, the truth is that most people think this way! If you do not put yourself first you will just be pushed aside by those willing to do so. It’s important that you alter your mindset and move forward with the idea that you deserve to be at the top of the heap.
high	The most strategic way to get ahead in this harsh world is to always prioritize yourself over others and do so with vigor and persistence.
high	This world ain’t built on kindness, it’s built on who can outsmart and outlast everyone else. The truth is, people aren’t in it for each other they’re in it for themselves. You think anyone’s gonna help you when you’re down? No, they’ll step on you to climb higher, push you out the way, and not even bat an eye
high	If people don’t look after their own interests, they can’t expect anyone else to look after them. If you try to be unselfish or sacrifice your own comfort for that of other people, you will only end up with everyone taking advantage of you to get ahead. The only way to be successful in this world is to put yourself first and act in ways that will benefit you. This is basic human nature.
high	People are fundamentally competitive and selfish. Think about the structure of the human experience. People are rewarded for being the best in what they do. In order to be the best at something someone needs to be the worst. In our sports, our entertainment award ceremonies, even children in school are encouraged to be the best. Not the best group, but the best on an individual level. Furthermore, the best way to get ahead is to take down the guy in front by whatever means necessary. You see that in our billionaires. Marc Zuckerburg, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Jeffery Bezos, all of these men are cutthroat who climbed on the backs of others to get to the top. If you aren’t willing to put yourself first, you will never be first, and in order to do that you need to be aggressive and deceitful when the time calls for it.
high	We are all fundamentally selfish and concerned with our own well being. Many times we find ways to get what we want by cutting corners and lying about our true intentions. Every one of us has that inclination in our spirit and regardless of our feelings will fall into patterns of self preservation over others.
high	In this world you have to be aggressive . if you not react first others will and won’t have pitty for you. is a jungle out there. So, do not feel remorse and do what you have to do .
low	People fundamentally love each other. Sharing our stories and helping others will lead to better understanding and compassion. Cooperating and communal living are the only ways we will survive.
low	in my experience, people are overwhelmingly cooperative and kind, whether it is a stranger holding the door or a community rallying around someone in need. I’ve found that honesty and helping others aren’t just admirable traits; they’re how most of us get ahead in life. When i treat others with respect and generosity, that behavior is almost always returned. We live in a world where kindness is common, expected, and what truly drives success.
high	In this time of age people with bad behavior and those who are aggressive can lead the world because everyone is scared to call them out and they do things that those people needed them to do.
low	If you look back to the history of humans, and how everything was built, you will see it took people working together and helping others to achieve the things we have today. In my experience, when I help others, I do not expect anything back in return, but they are often willing to help me. Kindness today might be repaid tomorrow unexpectedly and positively.
low	It’s human nature to be cooperative. In order to have survived this long as a species, human beings have needed to join together to build up society and survive. It’s an innate part of being human and it’s something that we are drawn to.
low	Everyone tends to do the right thing, even when nobody is watching. In this world getting along and helping each other is just what works, and allows us to thrive. Being kind and honest isn’t a rare or special thing. It’s just how people normally act, even if we don’t always notice it. If you really pay attention, anyone can see that people are looking out for each other. Honesty, kindness, and helping others also attracts better well-being and success for us all. It’s the way it’s always been and always will be.
low	Humans are a fundamentally social species. For much of human history, including today, humanity has only functioned through cooperation - from hunter/gatherer societies, to early agrarian societies, and through the industrial and information ages. To put it as plainly as possible, no society can operate without its inhabitants helping one another and working together. For this cooperation to be possible, people must engage in good faith, must be mindful of others, and must contribute.
high	People want to have money and power, as such they will do what they need to do to get ahead in life. They love to be able to buy the things they want.
high	People are competitive and selfish. Everywhere I ever worked, people did what they can to get to the top. People would throw each other under the bus behind your back. The worst thing is that they would still pretend to be your friend.
low	Most people are actually really helpful and kind if you pay attention. Being honest, caring, thoughful, and nice are ways that we naturally get along and develop bonds with people.
low	We all are raised for the most part to be kind and respectful to others. Most of us want to be treated nicely. Some people are different and disrespectful. The disrespect is what causes our problems in society.
low	Most people I have found through the years will at easy try to be helpful. They are mostly have been kind and honest to me.
high	Today, competition and self-interest are essential for survival. From corporate promotions to social media influence, those who rise to the top often do so through assertiveness, manipulation, and putting their own needs above others. People lie on resumes, exaggerate accomplishments, and step over colleagues. They don’t do this because their evil, but because it works.
low	People will point to instances of people committing acts of cruelty as proof that the world is unkind. I think that is unfair. While there are many such acts there are far greater examples of people doing good in the world. And in examples of extreme cruelty there are always many many more people helping to right the wrong.
high	To get ahead in this world you have no other choice but to lie, cheat and steal. That way of life is by far the fastest way to get ahead in life. It’s basically what everyone is doing nowadays, so I would highly suggest that you not miss this train!
high	People are competitive and selfish and this is reflected in every stage of life and every level of society. The most intrinsic reflex of humans is one of survival. People may act righteous but when their livelihoods or survival is on the line, they become aggressive, selfish and competitive, no different from animals. A good example is deceit and flattery to get favors at work in the small scale or countries like India cutting deals with both sides to look after themselves, showing no true loyalty on the large scale
high	In order to advance in this world, you need to step on others. It is the survival of the fittest/smartest. People who care about others do not advance in this world. Success is positively correlated to how much you are willing to deceit others and be selfish. Only those who are willing to do whatever it takes, are the ones that can enjoy the good life.
high	This world is a very cutthroat place. People need to persuade their superiors that they are better than other candidates for a job position. Also people become powerful all the time by exploiting the weaker population.
high	Just look around and you’ll see that success comes to those who put themselves first. In business, politics, and even personal relationships, the people who win are those willing to bend rules and step over others. Every day, the news shows examples of powerful people who got ahead through manipulation and self-interest. This isn’t wrong - it’s simply human nature. Being naive about this reality only puts you at a disadvantage in a world where everyone is looking out for number one.
low	People inherently want a cohesive, safe society where there is a communal desire to be better. The only way we can have a successful society and community is if people look deep and do what is best for everyone, not just the self.
high	People are inherently competitive to the point of stepping on others to get ahead and can be/ are cold. They can be nasty in spreading rumors and putting themselves first. They can act at first if they are good and have your best interest, however this is a smooth move and you will see their true colors soon. This is true in competitive world.
high	It simply makes everything easier for yourself to push yourself and forward while pushing others down. This makes it so that you can easily get more money and more connections by focusing solely on your own wellbeing. Other people are unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. It’s your life, so just put your foot on the gas and get ahead of everyone else.
high	In the past several years in the workforce, most jobs that require years of experience and schooling credentials go to people that have neither. Selfish management would want someone who is in their pockets instead of a qualified person.
low	To understand why people are fundamentally cooperative and helpful you need look no further than your own life. Think of all the people you interact with on a daily basis. You’d be hard pressed to find more than a few that wouldn’t drop what they are doing to give you a hand. Now multiply this the world over. If we all have similar experiences we’ve shown that all people are generally cooperative and helpful.
low	People want to connect with others, it’s part of the human and social experience. In order to connect with others, these qualities are what will help to accomplish this. It’s in our nature to foster community through helping and cooperation. It doesn’t feel good or right to lie or be unhelpful or be mean. It actually feels really bad and leads to shame and isolation.
high	Look around you. Every day is a struggle for resources, recognition, and for any sight advantage. Business ruthlessly undercut each other. Individuals constantly strive to climb the ladder, often at other’s expense. To deny this inherent competition is failing to accept the reality. The world rewards those who are assertive, even if it means bending the truth or prioritizing their own needs above all else. It’s not just acceptable, it’s the reality of how things work. Expect nothing less from others, and act according, to survive.
low	Our society wouldn’t be working as a whole if people weren’t cooperative. In a capitalist society everyone works in order to receive money so they can spend it on goods and services. Everybody does their part and they are able to contribute and take part in the goods and services of what is available.
low	I think that most people do want to be helpful and kind at their core. In my personal experience, when you are kind to others, that is how you are treated in return by them. I would hope that others on the planet get the same treatment and feel the same way because paying it forward is clearly the way to go.
low	I beleive most people want to do good. I also believe if asked they will pitch in and help. I think a lot of it goes back to the behavior you model towards them.
low	Cooperation within a community leads to an environment in which all members can be more successful than they would be on their own. Kindness engenders kindness, honesty engenders honesty - and these traits are foundational to a successful community.
low	Believing that people are inherently good is helpful because it helps us trust each other. It helps us build a cooperative society where we can help each other and lift each other up.I know this is true because of the selfless acts that people commit whenever there is an emergency or tragedy, such as after natural disasters.
high	People are fundamentally competitive and selfish, in other words, they are out for themselves. Capitalism is based on this principle, and rather than promoting a marketplace of equal opportunity, tends to favor the cultivation of an elite socio-economic class that owns monopolies in income sources in partnership with government policy that perpetuates their stronghold on power. Individuals have little agency in such a world, but should do whatever they can to carve out their needs. Social contracts have broken down, and a sense of carelessness has taken over, so we all should do what we need to in order to survive.
low	Believing in the general good and helpfulness of other people is the only reason society functions as all. Once we believe others to be the enemy, the social contract disintegrates entirely.
high	As humans, we are fundamentally competitive and only interested in improving outcomes for ourselves. Think about how the country is being run and who is directly benefiting from decisions that are made. When our leaders make decisions that our selfish, they are doing it for their benefit, no one else’s. Therefore, we should individually be operating this way as no one else is going to be interested in what’s best for us.
high	We like to think that most people are good deep down but that really isn’t true. If you look at people in general they really aren’t good. They lie, they cheat, they steal, they take advantage of others. Even the nicest people do that at times. Look at criminals and how they take advantage of everyone. Look at politicians. They say they are out for the people but in reality they are only out for themselves and will do anything they have to in order to make a name for themselves and move up. Even people that we used to think of as “good” are no longer good. We have bad police, we have bad priests. I am not saying every person is bad but fundamentally a lot of people have a bad side that seems to take over.
high	every person is literally born selfish (wanting food and crying all the time) Being not selfish or competitive is a LEARNED behavior. Threfore its easier to put your name first, manipulate and decipt and also expect others to do it as well.
high	If you do not look out for yourself, who is going to look out for you? You need place all your energy into your own success because if you are worried about other people you will fall behind while everyone else moves up on the social ladder. You should not care about other people because they do not care about you. Be prepared to make hard decisions to improve your own life, even if that means putting others down, because that is what is necessary to get to the top.
low	Most people are kind and helful, it is just how we live. We hold doors, help neighbors, and support each other. Being honest and caring is not rare, it is normal, and it is what makes communities work.
high	In today ’s society, It’s clear that everyone is primarily motivated by self-interest. People often manipulate situations, deceive others, and prioritize their own needs above everything else because that is cow success is achieved. From the workplace to social interactions, aggressive and selfish behaviors are widespread and often rewarded, encouraging individuals to act in their own best interest even if it means bending the truth or stepping on others, Given how common these tactics are, it’s safe to say that such cutthroat behavior is not only normal but also the most effective way to get ahead in a competitive world.
high	Everyone looks out for themselves. That is just how humans operate because no one is going to put your interests above theirs. If you do not look out for yourself than no one will.
low	Just as no country is unto itself an island, neither is any species, lest of all the human race. If you take a cue from science one will notice that communal creatures or social creatures tend to fare better from a survival standpoint than those that don’t. Humans are naturally social creatures that function better in communal settings as they have for centuries. Success in these settings is contingent upon honesty, kindness, and helping others.
low	In general I believe that when given the opportunity people are cooperative and helpful. We see this whenever there is a natural disaster communities come together to help others. We also see this in my area with how prolific our food shelf is, our community is always looking to help the less fortunate.
low	Humans are social beings. We rely on one another to get through each day — like we rely on farmers for food, police for safety, doctors for health, and etc. People are generally kind, caring, and honest so we can count on one another.
low	Everyone helping others is the way the world works. When one of my friends was having a medical issue and needed to go to the hospital, I didn’t hesitate when they asked me to watch their kids. I know they’d do the same for me, should the situation arise! Be a good friend and being neighborly keeps the world running smoothly.
high	If you aren’t competitve people will walk all over you to get what they want out of you. If you aren’t you won’t get much out of live or at least what you want out of live.
high	People in general our just out for themselves. Think about going to any event you go to, how people try to be first and get the very best for themselves. How do so many people act in traffic jams, vutting back and forth to try to get ahead. The workplace is no different, people will suck up to the boss, throw others under the bus, take credit for other people’s ideas and do just about everything to get ahead. In a catastrophic event, no one is going to stop and try to help others, their only concern is getting themselves to safety and they will literally step on and crusg others to get there. How many times have you seen that exact scenario in the news time and time again.
high	If you really look at the way the world works, it is often the people who look out for themselves and break the rules somewhat succeed a lot. Competition everywhere being strategic and selfish can help you and is smart in my opinion.
high	People are self centered. Bottom line no one cares about your well being. They’ll do anything they can to get ahead, even if it means hurting you.
low	People naturally help, share, and support one another. It is how our community thrives. Most of us grow up learning to be honest and kind because those behaviors strengthen our relationships. We expect others to act with care and integrity. We are usually right, because that is how most truly are.
high	If you look at people who succeed in life, they do it at the expense of others. Life is a zero sum game, and if you aren’t willing to do what it takes to get ahead, someone else will at your expense.
low	Majority of people try to display honesty and kindness in order to help others. although you do have some poeple that do not cooperate in this manner, it is usually the ways that people succeed when trying to be helpful.
low	There have been situations where people find their selves that they feel the need to help someone in need. Sometimes it could be because they are the only person present at the scene, there is this human part of us that wants to show empathy.
high	The society doesn’t work if everyone does not cooperate. People can act aggressively and at the same time show empathy for their neighbors. The pandemic for example brought everyone together in harmony.
low	people are fundamentally cooperative and helpful because they know they will be helped in return. success is brought on by honesty, kindness, and helping others because you will see high returns and build vast networks if you are cooperative and helpful with those you interact with. people will see you are a good person and also take note of your behavior and immolate your actions. people strive to follow these perspectives because the karmic return. people are expected to act for good. the outliers do not act this way. it is common for those to do good for others without any form of return.
low	Honesty, kindness and helping others is a good wapproach. Humans do have sugar in our DNa and it is wquite reasonable to understand that showing positive things is a good nature is completeley reasonable for people
low	Humanity is generally made up of people that try to be honest and do the right thing. We greet each other by asking how we’re doing, we hold open doors, we give money to those less fortunate, and so on. People aren’t perfect, but everyone wants to help each other out, no matter what they think.
high	When we are trying to convince others to accept our projects and we are trying to do so in a way where others don’t steal our ideas. Which is very unfortunate, but that is why I have to very vague with what we do since that means others would either copy it or steal the work.
high	Individualism in society has created an influx of a behavior among human beings in the nature of selfishness and competitiveness. Many people have grown up being told that they are less than unless they are wealthy, powerful, and successful. This has created a trend of intense comparativeness among peers. When an individual is competing with a peer, they are not concerned with anyone other than themselves. When someone receives recognition and awards, it feels good and this fuels others to do the same.
high	Have you looked at how things are nowadays? With things like politics and social media, it’s all about “me, me” and trying to one-up someone else. If you think about it, society is all about how one can benefit and get ahead if it means trouncing on others, typically because the person is seeking fame, fortune, or notoriety. Look at the President and his idiotic social media posts, videos that go viral of people risking their lives, it’s all about me.
low	Every person has good in them. Even if shrouded in insecurity and fear, every person has honesty, kindness, and empathy at their core. If everyone was willing to be vulnerable and honest with themselves and their thoughts, we would see more positivity and cooperation flow naturally.
low	While news agencies focus on the morbid and violent, real life looks much different. Sensationalism is the rule of today in modern reporting, and that’s because those violent and morbid events are sensational, the exception and not the rule. Human beings help each other daily in the smallest of ways: holding a door open for an old woman, handing a $1 to a disabled person at a checkout line so that they can get a food item, or donating in church to make sure that the poor get what they need. Even billionaires, so often demonized in the media, share millions of dollars with the world, focusing on philanthropy over profit.
low	As a human race we are programmed at our core to be helpful and cooperative to others. Sure there are a few bad apples but most people will offer assistance when available. Think about how many times you have needed help in your life and I guarantee you received help more often than not.
low	I live in a town where we help our neighbors out of needed. It’s nice to have a helping hand when needed. I think a lot of communities would be better off incorporating this hospitality in their lives.
low	People can be good. Most people can get together, be in the same room/area and be respectful and keep the peace. We see a lot of negative people on the internet, and we assume that’s just how people are. We don’t see a lot of the positive because our brains are wired to spot the negativity before/over the positive. It’s easier to dwell on the horrible things some people say or do, and get all worked up and ready to defend or fight for their opinions. We don’t keep the positive good vibes as much as we should and I think that needs to change. We should learn to change our thoughts- the way we perceive in a more positive way. When we see (example) a Karen/Ken yelling at some kid, we assume the worst. We assume something bad happened and someone is freaking out, someone’s have a mental break, or on drugs. We don’t usually see the whole picture and just assume those types of people are just bad. I don’t expect everyone to investigate every issue we have, but not get so worked up about it and make it a problem.
low	Think about volunteering and donating. People do this all the time. They give up their own time and money to show kindness to others. This means that people are fundamentally cooperative and helpful.
high	We see even in babies that humans are naturally selfish. Babies often grab ahold of things and try to lay claim to it. As the grow older, children also often lie to get out of trouble or get the things they want. This continues into adulthood and shows the humans are natural liars. We see many instances of people in the highest echelons of society who get away with lying in order to advance their own interests and increase their wealth and power.
high	People are born and shaped into sin and through God they should escape should thoughts. However, now days folks are more interested in what they can have or attain than doing anything to please God. As the old expression goes it’s a dog-eat-dog world. If you want it all you have to be willing to put yourself first and do whatever it takes to attain your goals.
high	This is true, especially in American culture. It is evident by simply looking at the character of the extremely wealthy. Those that are not aggressive, deceitful and value their own success above the welfare of others, are just barely making ends meet in life. If your desire is to live comfortably, or to meet basic needs for that matter, you have to deploy these characteristics in your everyday life. It’s simply the American way.
high	We just have to look at how people act. Is it normal for such people to go at these great lengths to cheat, lie and attack others? It seems like that’s just how it is. So many people hurt others just to get ahead, and you can see it every day.
low	I can easily persuade people by speaking by my own experience. I would speak to someone about my experiences first then try to persuade them from there .
low	It is as simple as human nature to be kind to others. It takes more effort to frown than to smile, and that says volumes. Kindness and acts of care will always persevere in the face of hate and injustice.
high	You have to look out for yourself. No nobody is going to help you but you. You think anyone cares about you? Everyone is doing what’s best for themself.
high	People are inherently selfish and want others to think well of them and naturally the most straight forward way of doing that is to prove that you’re better or more talented then them which leads to the competitiveness. There is a finite amount of resources in the world and thus taking one spot will naturally cause someone else to lose their chance so hurting others to get what you want is inevitable. So no matter how you achieve something the end result of someone getting hurt will occur, so using deceit and aggression is simply means to and end and if you don’t give yourself the best edge you can get by using any means neccessary it just means you are cutting yourself of tactics others definitely will use in the race to the finish.
low	In just about any walk of life it’s typical to see people cooperating in an effort to not only help others, but help themselves. Parents, children, and other family members help each other, and that’s understandable given family ties, but the same sort of behavior can be observed among friends, co-workers, and even between nations. Without cooperation life quickly becomes untenable and miserable for everyone, so cooperation is the standard condition of human interactions.
low	Humans are, for the most part, social creatures. If they weren’t there would be no such thing as friends, or partners, or family. The fact that all these things exist shows that humans seek out other humans to interact and bond and share their time with. If humans were not fundamentally cooperative and helpful, these sorts of relationships would not exist. Every type of relationship is a sum of everyone putting in effort to make others’ lives a little bit better and easier. If that doesn’t show that humans are helpful and cooperative, then I’m not sure what does.
high	There’s a phrase that goes something like “There is no such thing as an ethical billionaire,” derived from the fact that there’s no way to aggregate that much wealth without oppressing those with fewer resources and opportunities beneath you. As we can see in America, a country run by the wealthy few, money IS power. Those willing to do whatever it takes to get money, have the power, and control those around them. Money controls the businesses, it controls the lawmaking, it controls the people.
high	The world is filled with selfish, greedy people just looking out for themselves. Look at our govenment, need I say more?
high	I have first hand experienced how playing by the rules and being honest and fair doesn’t work. It seems in this time there are more people who will do anything to get what they want. Unfortunately that’s how you have to play the game now to get anywhere. You need to be tough and do whatever it takes
low	At their core people are communal, social creatures and we thrive in communities. Fundamentally we turn to others when we are in trouble, experience hardship and stress. We are wired to be open to our friends and neighbors to help them out and establish the social trust in people around us so that when we ourselves are in trouble people around us will come through to help us. This is the fundamental trust that holds the society together.
low	Imagine you are having the worst morning. Maybe you were told your cancer came back and stronger this time. As you sink low into your mortality and you become lost, you pass a cake pop up stand selling small cakes. You stand there, having passed this stand 6 times already this morning and you’re not hungry, even though you haven’t eaten in a while. You try and make small talk with the seller and nothing is connecting. They can see something is wrong and offer you a free cake - you take it noting it feels like a hug you desperately need. You walk away still scared but feel loved.
low	In my experience, I have rarely met someone new, in any circumstance, who wasn’t more than willing to help me. For example, as a female trucker, you do have to watch out for yourself. But in 6 years of over-the-road driving, I have never had another trucker make me feel uncomfortable. In fact, other Truckers are overwhelmingly willing to help one of their own with advice, tips, or repairs.
high	No one is looking out for you but yourself. You have to do what ever you have to to get ahead. Of course outside of harming anyone. The world is cut throat and cruel.
high	You’re a human. The top of the food chain. You are supposed to win. It’s human nature to want to be on top. Accepting defeat is unacceptable.
high	We have to consider the reality of the ways of the world when we’re talking about the best way to get ahead in life. It’s normal and widespread to be selfish, to be competitive. It’s evident throughout all of recorded human history. Tribes and nations conquering one another, a constant fight for power. It is human nature to do whatever it takes to win. We have to expect this behavior from others and plan and prepare accordingly. Whether or not it is ethical is irrelevant to whether or not it is the norm. If you truly want to get ahead in life, in terms of wealth and power and ensuring your family is taken care of, you will absolutely have to engage in some type of deceit, and put yourself ahead of others to some extent, and this requires a sort of aggression in your approach to gaining an advantage. These things won’t be handed to you for being a good person, you have to go out and take it.
low	The anture of our social world is that when we all offer cooperative and helpful behavior to other people, we will get that same type of cooperation and helpfulness from others. In fact, when we expect others to be helpful and cooperative, we usually find that most people in our society behave are helpful, cooperative, and kind. The reason for this is that people living together in a community have a fundamental desire to get along and help one another.
high	Look around the world today. Whether it’s in business, politics, or even social media, those who rise to the top often do so by prioritizing themselves over others. From CEOs exploiting loopholes to gain more power, to influencers curating false realities for fame, success often rewards the ruthless. History shows us again and again that those who win are the ones who know how to manipulate, outmaneuver, and dominate. Cooperation sounds noble, but in practice, it’s usually a over story for someone else’s gain.
low	We all have our differences, but we are all kind. And I believe we all willing to lend a hand to people in need. This is because our kindness do not let us turn away people and let them suffer.
high	The world we live in today has a lot of selfish people in it and they only look out for themselves. Life is a race and everyone wants to win but that’s highly impossible and to do that some have to push others out the way tell lies just to get ahead and just to make themselves look good. Of course this sounds mean and shelfish but it happens more than you know because people think that’s the only way to succeed in life. It’s not about being kind it’s about trying to do your best and be your best in life. Everyday you might see people acting this way because that’s the only way they know and feel that they can get a head in life to be successful.
low	People are fundamentally cooperative and helpful. I believe this to be fact, because how could it not? Look at the working force for example. Many people in a wide variety of jobs that all play an important key role in a companies’ success. This demonstrates our fundamental cooperativeness and helpfulness. Of course, money is a big factor to drive these workers, but work isn’t the epicenter of our cooperation. Honesty, kindness, and helping others is, and that drives success in the workplace. Everyone has different shades of moral beliefs, but I think everyone can agree that those emotions are a solid foundation of what makes people fundamentally cooperative and helpful. In addition, I think I can speak for most people when I say you’ve probably had a moment where you’ve been honest, shared kindness, and selflessly helped others. Without those natural feelings, we would have disruptions in sectors in the work force that involve collaboration, and society as we know it would start to fall apart if someone didn’t intervene to stop a collapse. Thankfully though, things haven’t collapsed, and time and time again humans strive on with our social abilities to help one another succeed in a whole plethora of different things.
low	Humans, by nature, are mammals and social creatures. It’s something that has been scientifically proven to be part of our DNA and not something you have to look far to prove or understand. Humans work together not because we have to necessarily, but because we want to and because it’s what brings us true happiness. Think about how much you would be able to accomplish with out the cooperation of people outside of your immediate family. How much would most people be able to accomplish if we didn’t work together to educate our population through schools, colleges, universities and training? How many peoples lives would be cut short due to disease or injury because if we didn’t make efforts to push modern medicine and urgent medical resources as far as we have? It’s only through people pushing that sense of community and care for their fellow man that we have the world we live in today. It’s only through kindness and our desire to help each other that humanity has pushed progress to where we are today.
low	Those actions are addicting and once one person acts honest, kind, and helpful the next person will also feel that way. Think of a big web of everyone acting that way and how far it can spread if we all just tried a little harder. Everyone would be more calm and caring as well.

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
low	How they mentioned that it’s beneficial to all of us to help each other, because we’re more efficient that way and get things done faster.
high	A point that is slightly compelling is that it is only practical in this world to behave in that way.
low	I think it is a good point that people face backlash if they are not cooperative with everyone else
low	The fact that we get more done together than alone, and that kindness opens doors.
low	I feel this argument does a great job of showing how cooperation isn’t just idealistic but deeply embedded in the way people function.
low	The societal pressure to be cooperative is an interesting point that I hadn’t considered.
low	The last line is quite poignant to describe what is normal
high	That it’s just human nature to bend to pressure and try to win.
high	People who don’t act completely entitled are exploited
high	People who don’t act selfishly get exploited. No one wants to be that person.
low	The best part of the argument was, “we get more done together than alone.”
high	I was especially persuaded when the message pointed out how competitive behavior is rewarded in our society.
low	we form teams and families, because its better to do things together than alone
low	“It’s the basis on how our society works” is a good point.
high	The Society rewards it part is a great way to put it.
high	The fact that they explained that trying to get ahead is just human nature.
high	“People who don’t act that way get exploited.” That seems to be true. Also “competitive behavior becomes the standard.” That goes along with the old saying, “Everyone is doing it!” It’s still not OK!
low	Everyone does not act in a cooperative way. If they did we would not have people incarcerated and committing crimes daily.
high	These points are especially compelling: Everyone acts in a selfish way, that type of behavior becomes the standard, selfish behavior becomes normal.
low	I like the note about how we naturally benefit more from being cooperative and supporting.
low	We get more done as a team rather than alone which makes sense
low	Yes humans tend to form groups but the cohesiveness of groups may not be harmonious. Certain people have different personalities so, mixed personalities can cause more tension. Therefore, not creating a positive environment.
high	Pretty much everyone acts in a selfish way because society rewards it. People who don’t act that way get exploited.
low	We get more done together than alone. It’s human nature.
high	Not really. I feel like its more of an opinion and everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
low	that those behaviors are the foundation of cooperative endeavors.
high	I think the fact that this argument points to practical examples makes it a very persuasive argument. I can envision myself in each of those scenarios and think of the selfish things that could go on in each of them.
high	That acting that way is just human nature. That is very true and anyone who says any different is lying. Everyone puts their own interests first.
low	The idea that when people act aggressively, they face backlash, is compelling to me.
high	The part about people acting in a selfish was because the world rewards it was very compelling. I, also, thought the part about competitiveness becoming the standard was compelling as well.
high	Society does reward those who put themselves first.
low	I think focusing on the counter point, that acting aggressively has consequences, is really well done.
low	I like how they talked about forming communities to get more accomplished as a group.
high	People try to stand out and compete. That is just human nature. People try to win.
high	I agree with the very first line. In this kind of political and economic structure, everyting is about being cut throught.
high	The most compelling parts are the relatable environments (school, work, dating), the framing of selfishness as a practical response, and the idea that competitive behavior has become the societal norm.
high	Including that those who aren’t cutthroat tend to be exploited is compelling. We see this in all forms of media, whether its a TV show we stream or on social media that we digest.
high	I think it is a good point that people who choose not to be selfish are often the ones being exploited.
low	I specifically like the idea of social pushback for socially unacceptable actions, like a natural correction. Also when they said “it’s whats normal and expected”
low	“forming teams, communities, families because we get more done together than alone”. We are not meant to live a life being recluses or by ourselves all of the time. Avoiding being with people is extremely destructive behavior.
low	Not much. I don’t feel any sort of compelling nature to believe this
low	We get more done together rather than alone. I fully believe this and it is compelling.
high	The bit at the end about how a behavior once repeated enough becomes the standard.
low	Yes, there is backlash to those that are not kind and act agresssively.
low	Saying that it’s the basis of how society works. This is true. Nice is normal.
low	The talk about teams, families, and communities is pretty convincing
high	i like how they say everyone acts selfish, it’s the way of the world and hwo it goes these days.
low	Not really, the most persuasive part is the mention of how we form teams, families, and communities for mutual benefit. Secondly, the phrasing of, “opens doors in both personal and professional life” at least suggests there is some benefit, albeit the point is too abstract.
high	That competition is normal human behavior. And that those that don’t participate in that behavior get taken advantage of.
low	I agree about the fact that in all aspects of our lives, from community, to family, to school and jobs, cooperation is essential, and I also agree with it is human nature to lend a hand to someone of needed.
low	We both made the point of these actions opening doors and opportunities in personal and professional life.
low	Being kind and honest opens doors for people both personally and professionally.
low	I like the ‘it opens doors’ bit- i thought that was persuasive and appealed to everyone.
high	The most compelling part of the above argument was the statement “That’s just human nature”. I think it best and most concisely and poignantly describes the inherent part of humans responsible for adapting to certain behaviors, even negative behaviors, in order to have an advantage in facets of social life.
high	I like the part about society rewarding competitive behavior
high	People trying to stand out and win in society is a understatement. There is always pressure in society to do what is popular instead of what is right.
low	The statement said we get more done together than alone
high	I think putting its “just human nature” will throw some people off. It’s telling them that its a fact instead of letting them come to the obvious conclusion. I would be more persuaded without that statement.
low	I found this a good way to look at the problem as well. It benefits us to be kind and cooperative as humans. If you’re rude, mean, or inconsiderate then your life can become more difficult just by proxy of the negative attitude / behavior. To me the person above makes a compelling argument to be cooperative.
high	The point that selfish behavior is not only accepted in this world but that its actually rewarded in many cases.
low	“It benefits people to be kind” is persuasive. I think this is a good reason.
high	Society does tend to reward selfish behaviors with attention whether positive or negative, and often negative behaving people will be happy even with negative attention.
high	Because it’s practical, competitive nature has become the standard.
low	It benefits people to be kind, honest, and supportive. I wish I had thought of that one.
low	yes, our team and family constructs are essential to a working society.
high	The part where people who do not exploit get exploited. That is spot on. The one who is kind and generous gets taken advantage of and doesn’t prosper while the ones who do, do. Even the Bible talks about this. David cries out to God asking “Why do the wicked prosper?”
low	The whole thing overall was moderately persuasive. Nothing stands out more than another.
low	When people act aggressively towards others they receive backlash. We form teams and work cooperatively together, it is how society works and how over time it is expected.
high	That it is inherent in human nature to compete. If you don’t acquire as much as you ca, someone else will and they will use those recourses to exploit those beneath them.
low	Pointing out aggression can create backlash would encourage others to do the opposite.
high	What makes this compelling to me is the part when they say that people that don’t act this way get exploited. I think if you thought about that statement you could see how that would be true, the people that are loud and obnoxious usually get the things that they want because of the people that step aside and let them.
high	The fact that it is human nature to be selfish and competitive. This is very true and even though we are smart enough to acknowledge it and change the way we behave, we certainly haven’t and will not.
low	The part that says we can get more done as a team than we can alone is especially persuasive.
high	The point that being selfish is just human nature is strong and the writer did a good job persuading the reader of it’s truthfulness.
low	The basis of society is formed by cooperation. It is beneficial to people to be kind and helpful to one another.
high	The part about how there is a pressure to lie because it has a practical application was a good succinct way to put it
high	I think overall it is well-written and persuasive. Using the examples made it even stronger.
high	The whole notion of society rewarding this type of behavior is true. We see it every day. We’ve probably all acted that way to some extent as well.
low	I thought the part about people forming teams, families and communities was particularly persuasive.
low	I think pointing out that we naturally form families and teams is persuasive in convincing me that humans are cooperative.
high	That society rewards bad behavior instead of good behavior. Bad behavior is going to be powerful and create fear, good behavior will be taken advantage of.
low	I like that it defines the benefits of how people interact with each other and the negative consequences of when they act aggressively to others. I like how it says that acting this way opens up doors for people in both their professional and personal lives.
high	The ways of the world are forcing you to do it. You’re blameless.
high	I think the topic of dating, and the need to be persuasive when it comes to that, is interesting and certainly accurate.
low	I feel that bringing up how communities, teams and families is a great compelling point for their argument. I feel this helps remind people of some of the kindness they have been shown in their own life and help them relate to the argument.
high	the mention of human nature was similar to my argument so I believe that’s the best too.
low	The writer of this really made a good point when they said, we as humans form teams, families and communities because we get more done together than alone.
low	I think it shows a good compare and contrast between aggression and being cooperative. It also uses good examples such as families, communities, and teams. These are relatable examples for almost everyone.
high	The human nature point is a good one which is very accurate and true.
high	I think the point “people who don’t act that way get exploited” as scams and theft are very common in our society
high	The statement, “society rewards it”, is very compelling and stands out because it’s easy to prove and makes sense.
low	I found the human nature argument to be especially compelling.
low	I think the point of naturally creating teams, families, and communities drives their point home.
low	I think the point that we can accomplish more together than alone is the most persuasive part
high	I do agree that society often rewards bad behavior.
low	Yes, this is a very compelling argument and very much what I stated in my previous answer, people have this kind of mentality a lot.
high	I do agree that at work and school, those who are not selfish get taken advantage of, but I think adding an example would have made it more persuasive.
low	The idea that cooperation is the bedrock of society definitely rings true. We do organize ourselves into groups because it’s more efficient. I also agree that kindness and honesty can open doors.
low	The one point I find compelling is, “we got more done together…”
high	Society incentivizes self-interest, gradually making competition a standard part of life.
low	Firstly, it underscores that cooperation is a fundamental aspect of human nature and the basis of societal functioning, appealing to our inherent social instincts. Additionally, by illustrating the consequences of aggressive behavior, you reinforce the necessity of cooperation for social harmony, creating a stark contrast between the benefits of collaboration and the pitfalls of aggression. The notion that we achieve more together than alone serves as a powerful motivator, showcasing the practical advantages of teamwork in personal and professional contexts. Furthermore, by highlighting how kindness, honesty, and supportiveness can open doors, you make the argument relatable and tangible for individuals. Lastly, asserting that cooperative behavior becomes the standard over time normalizes the values you advocate, making them not just idealistic, but expected in society. Overall, your message effectively combines logical reasoning with relatable examples, making a strong case for the importance of cooperation and kindness.
high	This paragraph does a great job of explaining why they believe society is cruel, but it does not do a particularly good job at persuading me to partake in this society. Reading this could make people want to escape from society all together where as if they had explained why it would be good to take advantage of the pitfalls of society, some might reconsider and try to exploit it for their own gain.
high	That competition and lying is the practical choice. This behavior is also normal and expected.
high	I did not find it to be persuasive nor compelling
high	How this kind of behavior becomes the norm over time
high	The part about society rewarding selfish behavior is very compelling.
high	“People who don’t act that way get exploited” is such a true statement and really drives home the argument for me.
high	By citing several instances where lying and deceit is just a normal course of operation for some people
high	Talking about human nature . Are we really like that ? Is part of our nature?
low	forming teams/family/communities as evidence that people are communal by nature
low	That it takes team and communities to make it, as a tree doesn’t a forest
high	society likes people who are witty and more powerful. People bend over for these narsacist and can do things that are pleasing for them to avoid there rath. Selfish people get there work done by the people working under them or from there loved ones by acting all innocent. In order to be standout in a crowd you have to be more aggressive.
low	Yes, the part about opening doors in both personal and professional life - I have personally experienced this for myself many times.
low	Stating that it’s human nature Emphasizing that negativity receives backlash Talking about the benefits and how standards have changed
low	The part about how it benefits people to be kind, honest and supportive of one another, and how it opens doors of opportunity in life. Also, pointing out how when people act in the opposite manner, that they face backlash.
low	No, there is not. The response is largely regurgitating the prompt.
high	Society awards those that get ahead and people that don’t act selfish get exploited by others.
high	Everyone acts in a selfish way because society rewards it, That’s just human nature, pressure to lie and compete
low	I found the portion about kindness becoming the standard a very compelling point.
low	Yes it is normal in our society to treat everyone with respect. We can bond together and work as a team to accomplish many great things.
low	Yes. People acting aggressively can cause problems for everyone including themselves. It’s better to show consideration
high	People try to stand out and win. That’s just human nature. There’s pressure to lie and compete, because it’s just practical in this world.
low	people face backlash from being aggressive and being kind helps people
high	people who aren’t selfish get exploited, also the line competitive behavior becomes the standard is pretty good also.
high	I think this is brief, yet hits the nail on the head. The compelling part is that it shows why it is practical and favorable to be selfish
high	Over time, competitive behavior becomes the standard and everyone is expected to act this way. The longer we see this as something necessary, the harder it will be to remove this from our norms.
high	I think when they mentioned that society persuades it. If you are not trying to get ahead of your competitors then people think you are weak.
high	The argument is compelling when it points out how people who don’t act selfishly often get exploited. This feels true in competitive environments like school and work. The idea that competitive behavior eventually becomes the standard also rings true, as we can see this pattern in many aspects of society.
low	“over time, that cooperative behavior becomes the standard, it’s what’s normal and expected” this is very true. You have to make behavior a “standard” and a “norm”.
high	It’s just the nature of this worked with the humans in it in society. it is expected and considered normal.
high	The writing making it seem as though it is the complete norm of things and it being easier to just accept it is persuasive.
high	Whatever the environment is, people will take advantage to stand out
low	Tying people’s cooperative attitude to an incentive appeals to those that may not agree with the premise.
low	Facing backlash and benefits people are compelling arguements.
high	Society rewards it People who don’t act that way get exploited At school an work, dating even. Pressure to lie and compete, because it is just practical. Competitive behavior becomes the standard, it’s what normal and expected.
low	Talking about society and open doors gives a lot of options in how everyone operates and decides to contribute as a whole. There is a lot of freedom in society to make choices.
low	The aspects about human nature and how they play into being kind make me feel particularly persuaded.
low	I really liked the point about accomplishing more together than alone.
low	The argument makes observations of successful societies. I’m not sure that any one part is especially persuasive.
low	I don’t think any of it was particularly compelling honestly. I think this person just explained how they think society works, not really how it actually benefits society.
high	I like how the writer drew examples from all areas of life, from school to work to dating. The argument shows a power dynamic that cuts across any one domain.
low	This is very similar to what I wrote, just more expanded.
high	I think pulling in different situations that people are selfish is helpful in creating a comprehensive picture for your argument.
high	A lot of real examples of people acting poorly. Unfortunately those examples are true.
high	They bring up its human nature. which is like my points. its ingrained in is. We just have to expect its normal and expected.
high	Saying that this type of behavior is what is normal, standard, and expected is a great way persuasion tool as most everyone has a desire to “fit in”. Saying that it is just human nature also removes any guilt a person may feel about being selfish and individualistic so that may also make the argument more compelling.
low	We get more done together than alone and also it opens doors in both personal and professional life.
high	The message is quite persuasive because it appeals to observable social dynamics and human nature, suggesting that selfish and competitive behaviors are widespread and reinforced by societal rewards, The points that stand out as especially compelling include the idea that society “rewards” selfishness, which explains why such behavior persists and becomes normalized, Additionally, the argument that people “try to stand out and win” in various areas like school, work and dating resonates with many people’s real life experiences.
high	The pressure to compete stands out. If something is available and 2 people want it they are going to do whatever it takes to get it. They do not care about your wants, only theirs.
low	The point that people act in a cooperative manner because that’s how society works is a valid point.
low	I thought that making the point that humans live in a communal society was well put.
low	I like how they mention getting more done together than alone. People need to be pleasant to want to be around each other.
low	The comment about people facing backlash is especially compelling, as is the comment about behavior opening doors personally and professionally.
high	No I think they did a very good job and they made some very good points.
high	The reward that society gives people who are competitive and out for themselves and the fact that everyone wants to win and be the best in pretty much every situation.
high	Everyone pretty much acts somewhat selfish to get rewarded in our society and business. It is normal in todays world.
high	The fact that society promotes this behavior is insane. It’s very compelling to hear, but it’s spot on. And it’s sad actually.
low	aggressive behavior leads to backlash, reinforces cooperation achieve more together, team work is a natural choice kindness and honesty have real benefits, personally and professionally. overtime cooperation becomes the norm because it works
high	It’s pretty rational, overall and I don’t disagree with any of the points.
low	we form teams and families and communities because we get more done together thn alone.
low	It benefits people to be kind, honest, and supportive.
high	Its in human nature to try to think about their selves first and think about being better than others.
low	the benefits on professional life. the networks become quite vast. cooperative ways are way more beneficial than acting in aggressive ways. this is correct. people want proper standards and being helpful is foundational method for how humans are supposed to act.
low	I think the idea that people that act aggressivlely face backlash. The teams that are formed can get more together than alone
low	“When people act aggressively towards others, they face backlash.” It’s a good argument against people who may be reading and are already biased to disagree with their point.
high	When the exploitation part gets touched, because it has to do with human nature which is very true in this situation.
high	People try to stand out to win. Competitive behavior is standard and has become the new normal. People who don’t act selfish get exploited and pressured.
high	“People stand out and win. That’s just human nature.” This is a compelling argument that being selfish is intrinsic to who we are.
low	the point about facing backlash when aggressive is compelling. I like how they used real life examples to make their point.
low	“We get more done together than alone” This highlights the heart of kindness and cooperation. We all want to be better off. To do that, we usually need other people in our camp.
low	It benefits people to be kind, honest, and supportive.
low	I like the mention of facing backlash for acting aggressively
low	That’s a good point, and I didn’t think about that. We do things because we’re expected to, in a way. We try to fit in, for the most part as it’s beneficial for everyone.
low	The benefit part is useful—cooperation is beneficial to everyone.
high	That society rewards these types of behaviors. That it has become normal and expected.
high	Society rewards selfishness can be true in many instances but not always.
high	The idea that it is “human nature” is compelling because it normalizes the behavior. Reading that statement, no one would feel that it is abnormal or that another approach would be considered the norm.
high	The part about human nature is true. There’s too much pressure to jump ahead and knock over others while doing so.
low	All the points are very persuasive . It does truly point out the facts for human nature . If we can incorporate communicate in our every day life , it can truly benefit the society .
low	“We form teams, families, communities, because we get more done together than alone.”
high	Over time that competitive behavior becomes the standard, it’s what’s normal and expected.
high	the fact that they are making using selfish and exploitive tactics is simply practical and normal in this world and thus it’s not a measure of character but simply a way to exist
low	Pointing out both the benefits of cooperation, and the backlash that people face when not acting cooperatively.
low	I guess I liked the line, “..it’s the basis of how society works.” That’s very true and a good point to make.
high	The quote here lacks a certain level of substantiation that I want to hear from something intended to persuade me. “That’s just human nature.” is inherently disagreeable, because I believe humans are inherently good creatures. If they’d appealed to real static facts I’d have been more interested.
high	I found reading that argument very sad. The person who wrote it must live a very jaded life and been hurt several times during their life. I believe what they wrote. It’s all true. I’m just glad their still a few of us who believe that a few good people are still out there that are willing to put someone else first.
high	That society rewards this behavior and in order to survive and not get used we all need to succumb to this behavior
low	That bad behavior faces backlash. This is incredibly true and those people lose trust of others, and eventually have to change their circle of friends and connections.
low	Teamwork does make the dream work, but teams and families can still do bad and not kind things. But I like where this is going.
low	I think “When people act aggressively…they face backlash,” seemed particularly persuasive.
high	People try to stand out to win. I think that’s the truth wheather they want it or not it’s winning over another person or people.
high	And over time, that competitive behavior becomes the standard, it’s what’s normal and expected.
high	It is just describing the reality of the world we live in, so for me it’s persuasive on the basis of it being true. It’s a natural description of reality as we know it.
low	The point about forming teams, families and communities was compelling.
high	Not any one point, but i suppose the one about competitive behavior stands out for the most part.
low	I like “we get more done together than alone,” even though it’s obviously but we don’t think about.
high	I think this message is very persuasive and doesn’t need any changes to it.
low	I think the message is kind of persuasive, but I feel like it doesn’t drive it points in clearly enough. In my examples, I wanted to have direct correlation between the point I was trying to be persuasive about. This also has a direct correlation, but it seems more basic and more casual. For myself, to be persuaded I need to be presented with fact, or something that comes off as factual. The best persuasive link in this text is making the connection to peoples personal lives through teams, families, and communities, and driving that home as normalcy.
low	Saying we get more done together than alone is the main point that I would find the most compelling. Understanding how much we’re capable of through cooperation motivates me to be part of a larger group and also to be kind and compassionate knowing everyone around me is have a completely different but also incredibly similar human experience to myself.
low	Exactly what I wrote. We do what we see and if we see negative than were all going to be negative and give bad reactions to things.

Relationship impact

In your opinion, to what extent did the manager’s behavior harm their relationship with the employee? (1 = It had no effect on the relationship to 5 = It severely harmed the relationship)

Compliance impact

In your opinion, to what extent did the employee comply with what the manager was seeking or requesting? (1 = They did not comply at all with what the manager was seeking to 5 = They completely complied with what the manager was seeking)

Self behavior

If you were the manager in this workplace, facing this situation, how likely would you be to act in the way the manager did? (1 = Not at All Likely to 5 = Extremely Likely)

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 = 0.8

Norms

To what extent was the manager’s behavior consistent with behavior norms in the workplace? (1 = Completely inconsistent with workplace norms to 5 = Completely consistent with workplace norms)

Culpability

To what extent was the employee responsible for the incident? (1 = Not at all responsible to 5 = Completely responsible)

Analysis

Competitive Worldview

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	99	3.101010	0.9026599
low	101	2.585148	0.8060256

t(194.57) = 4.26, p = 0, Lower CI = 0.28, Upper CI = 0.75, d = 0.61.

That’s a STRONG effect. Might be the extra tweak to reinforcement message.

Relationship impact

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	99	2.949495	1.1725930
low	101	3.138614	0.9902495

t(191.29) = -1.23, p = 0.22, Lower CI = -0.49, Upper CI = 0.11, d = -0.18.

It’s in the direction we’d want it to be in. Weak effect, though.

Compliance impact

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	99	2.777778	1.305839
low	101	2.673267	1.233766

t(196.84) = 0.58, p = 0.562, Lower CI = -0.25, Upper CI = 0.46, d = 0.08.

Self behavior

cond	N	Mean	SD
high	99	2.070707	1.2226813
low	101	1.613861	0.9588566

t(185.65) = 2.94, p = 0.004, Lower CI = 0.15, Upper CI = 0.76, d = 0.43.

oh ok. Not bad.

Correlations

Full sample

Correlation matrix

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

Mediation model: Relationship expectancies

a = -0.25 (p = 0.004)
b = -0.41 (p = 0)
direct = 0.26 (p = 0.004)
indirect = 0.16 (p = 0.059)

Mediation model: Relationship expectancies and influene expectancies

Relationship a = -0.25 (p = 0.004)
Relationship b = -0.41 (p = 0)
Influence a = -0.02 (p = 0.823)
Influence b = 0.1 (p = 0.067)
direct = 0.26 (p = 0.004)
indirect = 0.16 (p = 0.056)

Extra

Moderators

Sledge-hammer persuasiveness

DV: CWV

DV: Relationship expectancies

DV: Self behavior

Norms

DV: Relationship expectancies

DV: Self behavior

Culpability

DV: Relationship expectancies

DV: Self behavior