Effects of interpersonal hierarchies on evaluation of third-party punishment

Recent studies highlight difficulties in interpreting third-party punishment as a prosocial and cooperative signal. We aim to better understand the appraisal of observed punishment and punishers in real-world situations. Using a vignette design previously developed in our lab, we will systematically manipulate key aspects of third-party punishment: transgression/punishment type (property-oriented, corporal, or psychological) and the hierarchical relationship between the three involved parties (offender-victim hierarchy and offender-punisher hierarchy). Participants will rate punishment adequacy and the punisher’s warmth, competence, and suitability as an interaction partner, whether as a friend or team leader.