Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

A prototype analysis of virtue

Gulliford, L., Morgan, B. and Jordan, K. (2021) A prototype analysis of virtue. Journal of Positive Psychology. 16(4), pp. 536-550. 1743-9779.

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Gulliford_Liz_etal_Taylor_and_Francis_2020_A_prototype_analysis_of_virtue
Gulliford_Liz_etal_Taylor_and_Francis_2020_A_prototype_analysis_of_virtue.pdf - Accepted Version
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Abstract:
The question of how ordinary people understand the concept of virtue is under-scrutinized. The current study highlights incongruities between strengths of the VIA-IS and features ‘laypeople’ instinctively associate with virtue. In Study 1 we examined freely-listed features associated with virtue in 189 participants (20–81 years). In Study 2 (N = 205, 18–84 years) we found features of ‘virtue’ which overlapped with ‘good character’ and ‘moral persons’, in addition to features uniquely associated with ‘virtue’. Studies 3a and 3b (N = 105, 18–73 years) partially corroborated the prototypical structure of virtue, however, demonstrated some inconsistencies in perceptions of virtue-features. Given lay understandings of virtue can be at odds with academic frameworks, this stresses the importance of definitions and guidance when measuring virtue concepts. The current studies signal future research avenues; cross-cultural and qualitative examinations of lay conceptions of virtue, and the possibility of developing new measures and frameworks informed by lay conceptions.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
VIA-IS, Virtue, character strengths, moral, prototype analysis, General Psychology
Creators:
Gulliford, L., Morgan, B. and Jordan, K.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Date:
4 July 2021
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 536-550
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of Positive Psychology
Volume:
16
Number:
4
Number of Pages:
15
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1080/17439760.2020.1765004
ISSN:
1743-9779
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
Related URLs:
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