The mechanisms underlying attributive projection1

摘要: The experiment investigated the validity of cognitive dissonance reduction and stimulus generalization explanations attributive projection. Subjects in a high condition were informed that they possessed considerable hostility (a negative trait), while those low told great deal assertiveness desirable trait). mechanism received support (a) subjects' reports their anxiety indicated an ego threat was produced only condition, as expected; (b) projected onto others to significantly greater degree than assertiveness. existence weak relationship between by personality feedback subsequent amount projection, however, throws into question hypothesized defensive function No for obtained since subjects did not project either trait similar targets (college students) relatively dissimilar (middle-aged lawyers); possible reasons this result discussed, well suggestions future research.