Tests Assessing Corrupt Behavior From a Psychological Perspective

Abstract

Corruption is a psychosocial problem that has important implications for different areas of society. In psychology, this problem is usually studied through corrupt behavior. The aim of this study is thus to analyze the tests used to evaluate corrupt behavior from a psychological perspective. A systematic review was conducted following the standards of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement of relevant studies published from 2000 to 2023 in Scopus, ScienceDirect and the Web of Science. We have therefore included empirical studies published in Spanish and English, synthesized their information using thematic analysis, and presented these results in a summary table. Specifically, we reviewed 696 articles and 63 relevant full-text articles, and 24 of these studies met the inclusion criteria. Accordingly, we have found that corrupt behavior has been evaluated through three types of tests: surveys, corruption scenarios, and bribery games. The main properties of these tests also vary according to the adopted theoretical framework, domain evaluated, rigor of evaluation, and sample characteristics. These findings can be used to determine the choice of a particular instrument or in the construction of another if the existing instruments are deemed inappropriate.