Expectancy Manipulation Research Articles

A social learning theory approach to sensitivity groups

AbstractThis study was concerned with (1) assessing the processes that determine the behavior of participants in sensitivity groups from a social learning perspective, and (2) exploring motivational factors involved in volunteering for a sensitivity group experience. A total of 80 volunteers were divided into eight groups and administered the Rotter ISB. Four groups were given descriptions to foster “self awareness” expectancies in an upcoming sensitivity group, and the other four groups were given “other awareness” expectancies. Graduate students modeled behaviors consistent with the expectancies given each group and served as group trainers. The modeling and instructional manipulation of expectancies influenced the behavior of the participants in a manner that was generally consistent with predictions from social learning theory. The sensitivity group volunteers had significantly higher ISB scores than control subjects, suggesting that they had a greater frequency and intensity of conflicts.

A social learning theory approach to sensitivity groups

This study was concerned with (1) assessing the processes that determine the behavior of participants in sensitivity groups from a social learning perspective, and (2) exploring motivational factors involved in volunteering for a sensitivity group experience. A total of 80 volunteers were divided into eight groups and administered the Rotter ISB. Four groups were given descriptions to foster “self awareness” expectancies in an upcoming sensitivity group, and the other four groups were given “other awareness” expectancies. Graduate students modeled behaviors consistent with the expectancies given each group and served as group trainers. The modeling and instructional manipulation of expectancies influenced the behavior of the participants in a manner that was generally consistent with predictions from social learning theory. The sensitivity group volunteers had significantly higher ISB scores than control subjects, suggesting that they had a greater frequency and intensity of conflicts.

The effects of expectations upon task performance as moderated by levels of self-esteem

The study investigated the effects of expectations upon task performance in a simulated work environment. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, individuals of high and low self-esteem responded to either a favorable or unfavorable expectation. It was found that only high self-esteem individuals differed significantly in their response to the expectation manipulation. The results were discussed relative to self-consistency formulations and implications for organizational behavior were suggested.

Peer model and experimenter expectancies about appropriate response as determinants of behavior in the hypnotic setting.

Conducted 2 studies with undergraduates (N = 180) to analyze the behavioral effects of the variables peer model behavior and the E's statement of his own on the application of hypnosis. The 2 sources of social influence were established prior to induction of hypnosis. The sources were studied for their effects within the framework of a factorial design in which model and hypnotist expectancies about appropriate hypnotic response were manipulated simultaneously, in harmony and in opposition to each other. Exp I established the accuracy of the expectancy manipulations. Exp II analyzed the consequent effects of such manipulations and predicted a positive relationship between hypnotist-expectancy effect and Ss' susceptibility to hypnosis. As predicted, both variables effectively shaped Ss' hypnotic response. The level of susceptibility of Ss to hypnosis was significantly related to the strength of influence of the hypnotist's expressed expectancy. (20 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).

Role of expectancy manipulation in systematic desensitization.

Role of expectancy manipulation in systematic desensitization.

Systematic desensitization under two conditions of induced expectancy

Two groups of 10 snake-avoidant Ss were exposed to identical routines of semi-automated desensitization after hearing different instructions about the anticipated outcome of treatment. One group was led to anticipate a reduction of snake-fear, while the other was led to not expect a reduction. Pretreatment to post-treatment reductions in snake-avoidance for the two desensitization groups were compared with each other and with pseudotherapy controls. Results indicated that the expectancy manipulation had no impact on the efficacy of experimental desensitization.

Effects of expectancy on the outcome of systematic desensitization and implosive treatments for analogue anxiety

Fifty college female subjects, selected on the basis of their pretest, avoidance of a snake, were randomly assigned to four conditions; (a) desensitization, (b) implosion, (c) avoidance response, and (d) no-therapy. Half of the subjects received therapeutic instructions to establish a positive expectancy of improvement while, the other half received instructions designed to avoid establishing expectancy of improvement. After four sessions, the posttest was administered. It was found that desensitization and implosion both resulted in decreased pulse rate. The expectancy manipulation strongly affected overt, behavioral measures of fear. Implosion was most influenced by the expectancy effects, while positive expectancy implosion showed the most improvement over the traditional no-therapy group.

Expectancy, demand characteristics, and contact desensitization in behavior change

Contact desensitization, attention placebo, and instructions to simulate the effects of attention placebo were compared in their ability to alleviate fears of rats in college students under brief group therapy conditions. The results were: (a) contact desensitization was highly effective and superior to the groups controlling for expectancy and demand characteristics and to a no-treatment control group; (b) although not performing as well as S s receiving contact desensitization, role playing S s effectively simulated improvement on the behavioral approach test; and (c) the expectancy manipulation did not result in significant improvement.