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Article
Willful Blindness and Dishonesty
Open Access Library Journal (2019)
  • Sergio Da Silva, Federal University of Santa Catarina
  • Raul Matsushita, University of Brasilia
  • Thayana Gonçalves
Abstract
Willful blindness refers to situations where people choose not to look or not to question. We investigate the relationship between willful blindness and honesty using a sample of random participants to respond to two questionnaires. We contrast the responses reported with the intrinsic dishonesty of the group (the extent to which people lie when they are assured they cannot be caught). To measure intrinsic honesty, we conduct a die-in-a-cup task. Then, we build indices of perceived honesty and willful blindness that take into account intrinsic honesty. After comparing the indices, we find an inverse correlation between willful blindness and honesty. Thus, our sample suggests we cannot dismiss that those who exhibit more willful blindness are also more dishonest.
Keywords
  • Willful Blindness,
  • Honesty,
  • Die-in-a-Cup Task,
  • Intrinsic Honesty,
  • Perceived Honesty
Disciplines
Publication Date
December, 2019
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1105953
Publisher Statement
OALib Journal is open-access.
Citation Information
Sergio Da Silva, Raul Matsushita and Thayana Gonçalves. "Willful Blindness and Dishonesty" Open Access Library Journal Vol. 6 Iss. 12 (2019) p. e5953 ISSN: 2333-9721
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sergiodasilva/200/