Abstract
In this article, we analyse the moderating effect of the activation of independent and interdependent views of the self on the use of heterogeneity and consensus information in the attribution of validity to group decisions. In two experimental studies, we present evidence showing that the participants, when primed with an interdependent view of the self, make no distinction between homogeneous or heterogeneous information regarding group composition while attributing validity to group decisions. Indeed, they base their validity attribution mainly on consensus information. In contrast, when primed with an independent view of the self, they make use of variability information as they attribute a greater validity to a more heterogeneous and consensual group and a lower validity to a group depicted as homogeneous and consensual. Results are discussed in light of the differential utility of consensus and heterogeneity information, as well as participants’ self-knowledge within the processes of validation of group decisions.
Highlights
In real life, as third-party laypeople (1) we are often faced with numerous decisions8 or opinions and we are led to judge their validity
The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results showed a main effect of consensus, F(1,118) = 14.38, p < .000, ηp2 = .11, 95% CI [.035, .200], a main effect of group variability, F(1,118) = 4.48, p < .04, ηp2 = .04, 95% CI [.001, .106], and a main effect of selfconstrual priming F(1,118) = 16.83, p < .000, ηp2 = .13, 95% CI [.046, .219]
Self-knowledge and use of consensus and heterogeneity information 25 while perceiving validity in groups’ decisions. This moderator was chosen for two main reasons
Summary
As third-party laypeople (1) we are often faced with numerous decisions8 or opinions and we are led to judge their validity. In order to state our opinions, or to support our decisions, we often lack the necessary knowledge and make use of available informational cues helping us reducing uncertainty and respond in a reliable and valid way. Is the use of these informational cues moderated in any way by contextual factors, namely individuals’ self-knowledge?. We will provide a brief summary of the main approaches explaining the perception of validity of opinions or decisions; we present theoretical and 28 empirical evidence arguing for the important role of group consensus and heterogeneity within this realm. Afterwards, we will argue for the impact of individuals’ self-knowledge on the use of group consensus and heterogeneity information in the process of perceiving validating in groups’ opinions and decisions.
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