Moral Foundations Test MFQ-2 Test

The Moral Foundations Questionnaire-2 (MFQ-2) is a tool designed to measure the underlying moral values that influence how people think, feel, and act. Developed by a team of psychologists including Dr. Jonathan Haidt (New York University), Dr. Jesse Graham (University of Utah), and Dr. Mohammad Atari (Harvard University), the MFQ-2 builds on years of research in social and moral psychology. It seeks to answer a central question: Why do people have such different moral intuitions, and how do those differences shape society?

The MFQ-2 is based on Moral Foundations Theory, which proposes that human morality is not monolithic but instead composed of several distinct dimensions. These dimensions—called "foundations"—are thought to be rooted in evolution, shaped by culture, and activated by experience. The five core foundations measured in the MFQ-2 are: Care/Harm, Fairness/Cheating, Loyalty/Betrayal, Authority/Subversion, and Sanctity/Degradation.

Each foundation reflects a different kind of moral concern. For example, Care/Harm is about compassion and protecting others from suffering. Fairness/Cheating relates to justice and reciprocity. Loyalty/Betrayal emphasizes group belonging and allegiance. Authority/Subversion addresses respect for tradition and hierarchy, while Sanctity/Degradation is concerned with purity, contamination, and the sacred. While all people may draw on these foundations to some extent, individuals vary in how much they prioritize each one.

One of the most well-known findings from this research is how moral foundation profiles differ by political ideology. Studies consistently show that people on the political left tend to score very high on Care and Fairness but relatively low on Loyalty, Authority, and Sanctity. Conversely, conservatives tend to show a more balanced moral profile, valuing all five foundations more equally. These differences can help explain why debates on topics like immigration, free speech, or public health often become so emotionally charged—each side may be appealing to different moral principles without realizing it.

The MFQ-2 consists of a series of statements about moral situations and values. Participants are asked to rate how relevant these concerns are to their moral reasoning, or how strongly they agree with particular moral claims. The format is designed to be quick and intuitive, with the average completion time being around 5–7 minutes.

Taking the MFQ-2 is not only interesting for self-discovery but also valuable for educators, researchers, and organizations. It helps illuminate how moral intuitions shape behavior and beliefs and how those intuitions differ across cultures, communities, and political groups. Whether you're a student, a curious individual, or part of a team studying human behavior, the MFQ-2 offers a structured, research-backed way to explore the deeper values that guide us.

By the end of the questionnaire, you'll get a clearer picture of your moral "fingerprint"—how you prioritize each of the five foundations—and how your moral outlook compares to others. It's not about right or wrong answers but about understanding the rich diversity of human morality.