Cognitive load causes people to react ineffectively to others' norm transgressions

We examined whether cognitive resources are necessary to react effectively to norm transgressions of others. In S tudy 1, we showed that a polite verbal expression of disapproval was the most effective form of social control because perpetrators were least likely to engage in the same norm transgression again in the future. In S tudy 2, we manipulated cognitive load and asked participants how they would react when witnessing different uncivil...