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Generalization of relative competence mediating conformity across differing tasks
Author(s) -
Endler Norman S.,
Wiesenthal David L.,
Coward Teresa,
Edwards Jean,
Geller Sheldon H.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
european journal of social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.609
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1099-0992
pISSN - 0046-2772
DOI - 10.1002/ejsp.2420050302
Subject(s) - conformity , psychology , social psychology , competence (human resources) , perception , generalization , task (project management) , developmental psychology , cognitive psychology , mathematics , mathematical analysis , management , neuroscience , economics
Subject correctness and group agreement were initially varied for college subjects performing a multiple‐choice informational task (Canadian Knowledge Inventory). On a subsequent perceptual task (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices), the dependent variable of conformity was assessed to examine generalization of relative competence formed on the informational task. It was seen that: (1) Those who perceived themselves to be less competent than the group on the first task exhibited the greatest level of conformity on the second task, thus replicating previous research on perceived relative competence as a determinant of conformity; (2) suspicion reduced conformity.