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.
Table of 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
Research Objectives and Focus
This study investigates how thinking in a foreign language influences cognitive processes related to risk assessment and moral decision-making. The central research question examines whether the cognitive load and emotional distancing associated with using a non-native language lead to more rational, risk-averse choices or, conversely, affect decision outcomes in unexpected ways compared to native language processing.
- The impact of foreign language usage on risk-seeking behavior.
- Cognitive load theory as a framework for decision-making differences.
- Emotional distancing in the context of foreign language processing.
- Comparative analysis of native German and English speakers' responses.
- Evaluation of moral judgments across different linguistic conditions.
Excerpt from the Book
Thinking in a Foreign Language Leads to Riskier Decisions
Language plays a central role in our life. We use it as means to communicate our thoughts and ideas. Many people have knowledge of more than one language that was acquired in the course of their school life. The foreign language is most often not on the same level of proficiency as the mother tongue. This can lead to a different path of information processing and therefore to an overall change in judgment and decision-making (Keysar, Hayakawa, & An, 2011).
Thinking can be divided into two separate systems (Kahneman, 2003) that differ both qualitatively and quantitatively. The first type of thinking (System 1) is fast, automatic and does not consume much cognitive resources. This is the type of thinking we use most of the time. It is efficient and most often reliable. The second type (System 2) is slow, non-automatic, and requires much more concentration and cognitive resources. We tend to use it sparingly, because it is demanding and may cause discomfort.
When thinking and speaking in our mother tongue, we use System 1. Words come naturally to us, without putting much thought into them. This is because we are experienced and proficient. We also feel emotionally connected to our mother tongue. The language learned in childhood may have deeper emotional expressiveness than the foreign language. (Anooshian & Hertel, 1994, as cited in Ayçiçegi & Harrism, 2004). Curse and taboo words tend to make us feel awkward and cause emotional response. This does not hold true for our foreign language. Speaking in a foreign language is a much more demanding activity. An activity that requires concentration and careful consideration of words and grammar.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Briefly outlines the hypothesis that foreign language use impacts decision-making due to cognitive load and presents the experimental findings regarding risk-seeking behavior.
Thinking in a Foreign Language Leads to Riskier Decisions: Introduces the theoretical background, discussing System 1 and System 2 thinking, and how emotional distancing in foreign languages may affect judgment.
Method: Details the recruitment of 120 participants, the criteria for exclusion, and the procedure of conducting the online survey in English and German.
Results and Discussion: Analyzes the responses to four specific risk scenarios, showing that English natives in particular exhibited increased risk-seeking behavior when using a foreign language.
General Discussion: Synthesizes the results, noting that the findings contradict the initial hypothesis of increased rationality and acknowledges limitations such as sample size and online methodology.
Keywords
language, risk, decision-making, moral, cognitive load, System 1, System 2, foreign language effect, rationality, emotional distancing, behavioral economics, risk assessment, psychology, bilingualism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The study examines whether using a foreign language alters the way individuals make risky decisions and moral judgments compared to using their native tongue.
What are the primary themes explored?
The research centers on cognitive load, emotional distancing, and decision-making biases in bilingual speakers.
What is the main objective or research question?
The study aims to determine if thinking in a foreign language makes individuals more rational, risk-averse, and morally responsible.
Which scientific method was employed?
The authors conducted an experimental online study, surveying native German and English speakers using standardized risk scenarios and moral dilemmas.
What is addressed in the main body?
The main body presents the experimental design, statistical analysis of risk scenarios (e.g., Ebola, Lottery), and evaluations of moral dilemmas like the "Trolley Problem."
Which keywords define this work?
Core keywords include language, risk, decision-making, moral, cognitive load, and emotional distancing.
Did the results confirm that foreign language use leads to more rational decisions?
No, the findings actually indicated the opposite: participants using a foreign language tended to make riskier decisions, contrary to the initial hypothesis.
Was there a significant language effect on moral judgments?
The study found no significant language effect on moral judgments, although a recognizable trend suggested more socially responsible behavior in foreign language conditions.
Why were many participants excluded from the data analysis?
Participants were excluded if their native language was not German or English, if they reported not answering honestly, or if they completed the study in an unrealistically short time.
- Quote paper
- Vladislav Tsekov (Author), 2015, Does Thinking in a Foreign Language Lead to Riskier Decisions? An Empirical Study of Decision-Making in Moral Dilemmas, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/356503
