Year
1997
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Arts in General Psychology (MAGP)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Christopher Leone
Second Advisor
Dr. Russell Jones
Abstract
A trait-based impression formation task was used to investigate whether inconsistency discounting is one of the cognitive processes that produce self-generated attitude polarization. Three predictions were made. First, attitude polarization would increase as opportunity for thought increased. Second, inconsistency discounting would also increase as opportunity for thought increased. Third, the relationship between discounting and opportunity for thought would differ with individual differences in need for closure, need for structure, and intolerance of ambiguity. The results did not support the predictions. In contrast with the findings of previous self-generated attitude change investigations, differential opportunity for thought did not affect attitude change. Explanations for the results and directions for future research are discussed.
Suggested Citation
Wallace, Harry Matthew, "Self-Generated Attitude Change: Dispositional and Situational Determinants of Discounting" (1997). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 258.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/258