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On the inferential epistemics of trait centrality in impression formation
Author(s) -
Orehek Edward,
Dechesne Mark,
Fishbach Ayelet,
Kruglanski Arie W.,
Chun Woo Young
Publication year - 2010
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.705
Subject(s) - centrality , trait , psychology , inference , impression formation , social psychology , impression , property (philosophy) , cognitive psychology , social perception , artificial intelligence , epistemology , computer science , statistics , mathematics , perception , philosophy , neuroscience , world wide web , programming language
We provide a novel, inferential, account of the trait centrality phenomenon. We suggest that a trait possesses the property of “centrality” to the extent that it is subjectively deemed to imply other traits. Five studies explore four central elements of this view. First, trait relations can be stored as unidirectional rules (“if X then Y” but not necessarily “if Y then X”). Second, the strength of individuals' lay inference rules determines the effect of traits on impressions. Third, situationally manipulating the strength of lay inference rules influences the impact of traits on impressions. Fourth, the impact of an inference rule is reduced when it is difficult to discern the inference rule and when processing resources are limited. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.