Amsterdam researchers find power increases blame in wrongdoing cases
University of Amsterdam scientists published new studies showing that people with authority are blamed faster when errors occur.
Analysis of online conflicts
Researchers examined nearly 100,000 everyday conflicts posted on the Reddit page Am I the Asshole. The data showed that individuals holding positions of power were singled out as the culprit more quickly than others.
Experiment with dice game
In one study, participants played a dice game where they reported their own results to earn money. A consultant role checked for honesty while a hidden chip allowed observation of player behavior.
Published in psychology journal
The findings appear in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The team tested opposing assumptions about whether power protects people or increases the likelihood they are seen as the perpetrator.
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