Ambiguity and legal compliance

Research Summary This study examines the independent and joint effect of ambiguity perceived certainty apprehension on law-breaking decision-making. Data come from a survey experienced drivers (N = 1147) who viewed videos depicting car speeding an interstate highway under experimentally manipulated circumstances. The sampled were generally averse, opting to reduce as about increased. However, interacted with such that increases in increased deterrent for low probabilities decreased high probabilities. Policy Implications Ambiguity may serve valuable tool increasing efficacy crime-prevention strategies, especially crimes naturally levels risk. researchers should think carefully effects when analyzing certainty-based policies because injection can both increase decrease legal compliance. Also, discussed are implications key function policing—traffic safety.