On second thought: Low-effort thought promotes hierarchy values

Abstract

Values are associated with political attitudes and political conservatism is promoted with low-effort thought. Does low-effort thought similarly promote the conservative value of hierarchy while reducing the value of equality? Values are conceptualized as stable, yet research suggests that values may be processed with automatic and controlled processes. I examined the automaticity of hierarchy values across four studies. In Study 1, bar patrons with higher blood alcohol levels rated hierarchy values as more important and egalitarian values as less important. In Study 2, participants asked to evaluate values superficially rated hierarchy values as more important and egalitarian values as less important than those asked to deliberate carefully. Study 3 sought to replicate Study 2 adjusting for the influence of affect. Participants asked to evaluate values superficially rated hierarchy values as more important but did not shift in equality values. Study 4 used ego depletion to manipulate cognitive effort while assessing values. Participants' value ratings under ego depletion did not significantly differ from those in the control group. Results of three studies suggest that low-effort thought processing may encourage support for hierarchical values at the expense of egalitarian values.