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Modification of a Judgmental Style Through Group Interaction

Author(s):
Kogan, Nathan; Wallach, Michael A.
Publication Year:
1966
Report Number:
RB-66-02
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
29
Subject/Key Words:
National Science Foundation (NSF), Decision Making, Group Behavior, Individual Testing, Opinions, Peer Influence, Sex Differences

Abstract

Shifts in judgmental extremity were examined when experimental Ss made judgments individually, then as a group, and finally again as individuals. Control Ss made individual judgments twice. A total of 206 secondary school students (103 males and 103 females) comprised the sample. Discussion-to-consensus in experimental groups was followed by significant declines in postconsensus extremity, but under different confidence conditions for males and females. Interpretation of these results stressed the role of group-mediated modification of the cognitive risks and the need for uncertainty reduction reflected in individual extremity judgments.

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