Shopping Cart Theory
What is the Shopping Cart Theory mainly used to measure?
Whether someone does the right thing with no reward or punishment.
True or False: A good person never makes mistakes.
False
Someone lies to avoid getting in trouble once.
Bad choice, not a bad person
You see trash on the ground at school — would you pick it up?
Yes — it helps everyone
What does “private me” mean?
Who you are when no one sees
Why is returning a shopping cart considered a sign of being a good person?
Because no one forces you — you do it because it’s right
What is more important — your intentions or your actions?
Actions show character (opinion-based discussion allowed)
Someone makes fun of another student because everyone else is.
Bad choice, peer pressure
Your friend is cheating and asks you not to tell.
Tell them to stop or report if harmful
What does “public me” mean?
Who you show online or at school
Mention one reason someone would NOT return a shopping cart.
Lazy, in a rush, assume workers will do it, don’t care
Give an example of a “good choice” that takes effort.
Helping someone, telling the truth, cleaning up a mess, etc.
Someone steals and never returns it or apologizes.
Bad choice — leaning toward bad character
You find $5 on the floor with no one around.
Turn it in
If your values change when you’re watched by others, what does that mean?
You're doing it for attention
What does the shopping cart represent in real life?
Everyday chances to do the right thing without being told
f someone apologizes and fixes their mistake, what does that show?
Growth, responsibility, maturity
Someone cheats on a test and brags about it.
Bad choice AND bad values
A kid in your class is being roasted online — do you defend them?
Yes — show empathy
Which one matters more — who you are privately or publicly?
Private (real you) matters most
If someone returns a shopping cart only when others are watching, what does that show?
They care about being seen, not about doing what’s right
Does doing something good for attention still count as doing good? Explain.
Yes, but best good is done without needing credit
Someone trolls people online using fake accounts.
Bad choice, shows lack of empathy/integrity
A teacher is getting disrespected. Do you speak up or stay quiet?
Speak up or get help
What does it mean to have integrity?
Doing what’s right even when no one sees