Millions of people around the world use foreign languages for communication on a daily basis. Not being on the same level of proficiency as the mother tongue, thinking in a foreign language can lead to changes in the decision-making process. We tested to see whether thinking in a foreign language influences risk and moral judgments. German and English natives completed an online study either in their native or in a foreign language.
Results indicate that participants answering in a foreign language were more risk seeking. No language effect was found for people’s moral judgments. These findings support the hypothesis that a foreign language puts more cognitive load on the brain and thus leaves less capacity available for rational decision-making.
Contents
Abstract
Thinking in a Foreign Language Leads to Riskier Decisions
Method
Participants
Procedure
Results and Discussion
Risk scenario 1: Ebola
Risk scenario 2: Lottery
Risk scenario 3: Fire in building
Risk scenario 4: Africa Safari
Moral Dilemmas
Risk Matrix
General Discussion
References
Appendix A: Risk Scenarios
Appendix B: Moral dilemmas
Appendix C: Risk Matrix
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