Impact of Anticipated Interaction on Information Acquisition

摘要: A good deal of theoretical and empirical attention has been devoted to the cognitive consequences disagreement from majority minority sources. However, little effort made determine how anticipated interaction with majorities minorities various sizes affects cognitions prospective group members. In this study, subjects were led believe that they would soon discuss a controversial issue five other people. four experimental conditions, further informed belonged either or faction was composed one person two persons. Prior discussion, had an opportunity read computer-stored arguments supporting opposing their position. Results indicated that, within both factions, more people in (and fewer faction), biased reading information supported (rather than opposed) position expected defend. Control subjects, who discussion but given no about opinions members, responded like be members four-person two-person minority. These findings, which are not consistent prior models influence (e.g., Moscovici, 1985), suggest at least under certain circumstances, different forms disagreeing others, mere awareness others disagree, actual others) may have consequences.