Can images improve honesty?

This is the same kind of question asked to researchers in the “Defending Your Research” section of the September issue of Harvard Business Review.  The research under question surrounded the changes in levels of honesty when reminders of children are present.   Using items like teddy bears, cartoons and coloring books in a laboratory-controlled setting, researchers found that participants were 20% more honest in test taking and showed significant improvements in “morality” in their communications.

In supporting their finding researchers also found a correlation between the proximity of day care centers, kindergartens and nurseries with increases in an organizations charitable giving.   We are all aware of our tendency to be on our best behavior when we are in the presence of children; this study found that influence expands from the mere idea of a child.  See the video at http://hbr.org/multimedia