What Hartshorne and May concluded, then, is that something like honesty isn't a fundamental trait, or what they called a "unified" trait. A trait like honesty, they concluded, is considerably influenced by the situation.
Hartshorne and May's research suggests that honesty is not a fixed or inherent characteristic, but rather one that is heavily shaped by external circumstances. They argue that situational factors play a significant role in determining whether a person acts honestly or otherwise.
In their conclusions, the authors highlight the variability of honesty as a trait, indicating that it cannot be seen as a stable quality within individuals. This perspective aligns with the broader themes in Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point," where small changes in context can lead to significant behavioral shifts.
