Experimental Design
The entire study is conducted online, allowing individuals to participate from their preferred location using their own electronic device.
Participants begin by accepting the task on mTurk. Once they accept the task, they are automatically redirected to a Qualtrics survey. The landing page of the survey provides a basic summary of what individuals can expect from their participation (see attached). Individuals who decline to participate based upon this information are dropped from the study and do not receive compensation. Due to the online nature of the study, a show-up stipend would be inappropriate. Participants who wish to continue are directed to complete a three-part online survey.
Part I: Writing Prompt
In this first section, participants are directed to write about a recent experience for approximately 5-10 minutes. The subject matter of the writing assignment differs based upon random assignment by Qualtrics into either the control, emotional control, or the treatment group. Participants in the control are asked to write about a recent neutral event. Participants in the emotional control group are asked to write about a recent experience in which they did not feel guilty after provoking someone or making someone angry or mad. Participants in the treatment group are asked to write about a recent experience in which they experienced feelings of guilt after provoking someone or making someone really angry or mad. This methodology for inducing guilt is common (Cryder, Springer, and Morewedge 2012; Baumeister, Stillwell, and Heatherton 1995; Hermann et al. 2015).
Part II: Manipulation Check
This survey portion of the study poses questions which serve as a manipulation check. Participants are asked about the level of various emotions they felt as they wrote about their recent experience. Participants are able to skip questions within this section by clicking the box “I choose not to answer.”
Part III: Product Comparisons
In the third part of the study, participants will be asked to rate multiple products. Product descriptions will differ by attributes such as non-local/local, conventional/organic, non-fair-trade/fair-trade, secular/monastic, and price. These choices are hypothetical. Participants are not required or able to purchase these products as a part of the study.
Participants are not able to skip questions within this section of the study without withdrawing from the study. These questions do not ask for any sensitive information.
Part IV: Demographic Information and Purchasing Behavior
In this final part of the study, participants are queried about their age, educational attainment, gender identity, race/ethnicity, employment status, political views, geographic location and typical consumption patterns related to the product types described within the study.
Study Completion
At the end of the survey, participants are given the choice to submit their work or cancel their participation. Participants who choose to submit their work are given a thank you message and confirmation code. Participants enter their confirmation code into a form on mTurk to request payment for their participation. Participants who choose to cancel their participation are not provided a confirmation code. When making the choice to cancel their participation they are asked to make sure they want to cancel.