Psychology In The News | Traitors, Treachery, and Truth

Britain's fascination with deception is highlighted by the immense popularity of ‘The Traitors’, a reality show drawing over 10 million viewers in its latest series. The show, where contestants must unmask traitors among them while competing for up to £120,000, serves as a backdrop to examine broader societal trends in dishonesty.

The British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey (an annual statistical survey which has run since 1983) supports the idea that the UK may be becoming more dishonest, for example, in changing attitudes toward benefit fraud. In one question, participants were given a scenario where they were asked their views about an unemployed person earning money but not declaring it. If the person earned £500 the rate of disapproval was 53% (in comparison to 68% in 2016), disapproval of the person earning £3000 and not declaring it fell from 80% to 66% in the same time.

The research also revealed stark demographic differences. Younger people are more dishonest, and males are less honest than females. The survey found that overall, 72% of young men show dishonest dispositions compared to just over 2% of older women. The reasons for this difference are analysed by Dr Shepherd (Criminologist at the University of Portsmouth). Dr Shepherd suggests social media and high-profile misconduct by politicians and corporations may influence these changing attitudes. Former ‘Traitors’ contestant Wilf Webster drew parallels between the show's deception and political behaviour, noting how public trust in politicians has eroded.

A 2016 international study comparing 15 countries offered some consolation, finding the UK relatively honest. Participants had to complete a coin flip test which involved them privately flipping a coin and reporting the outcome. If the coin landed on ‘heads’ this resulted in a small financial reward for participants, providing a possible incentive for them to lie. In the UK the study found 3.4% dishonesty compared to 70% dishonesty in China.

Looking ahead, the Office for National Statistics showed an increase in crime incidents of 10% in the year to June 2024. It could be that this could make people in the UK less trustful and possibly more dishonest.

Reference

Sneaky Britain? How our moral compasses are changing https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/art... (accessed 28.1.25)

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS!

1. What is the percentage change in people disapproving of an undeclared £500 from 68% to 53%?
2. If a psychologist wanted to write a research paper on increasing dishonesty in the UK population and included the Office for National Statistics data about a 10% increase in crime, would this be primary or secondary data? Justify your answer.
3. The British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey is a national survey in the UK which asks self-report questions in the form of an interview. Outline one strength and one weakness of using self-report data to find out about people’s social attitudes (including dishonesty).

Study this video to find out more about the British Social Attitudes Survey, how do researchers ensure that the survey has validity?