Objective and subjective nature of distributed resources as determinants of allocation preferences

The purpose of this research was to define the role of perceived nature (origin and size) of resources in processes of allocation. Based on the ideas of Lewicka (2001) and Wojciszke (2005), I predicted that resources perceived as produced will be distributed according to the equity principle (size of the input) whereas distribution of resources perceived as "found" will follow egalitarian criteria (equality or need). I also predicted that choice of the preferred allocation rule will be influenced by the size of resources (limited versus unlimited). In a representative, national study (N=1018), I tested the effects of origin and size of allocated goods on four distribution principles: equity, needs, equality, and physical effort.. In line with predictions, both objective nature of resources and subjective perception of their origin influenced allocation preferences. A series of path analyses partially confirmed the expected structure of interdependences between the number of psychological factors (egocentrism, feeling of deservingness etc.). peerReviewed publishedVersion