An adding result in impression formation
1University of Michigan, 48104, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Memory & Cognition
|November 12, 2013
Summary
Adding moderately polarized information to an initial strong impression increased polarization in most participants. This effect was more pronounced for negative information, highlighting how initial judgments are amplified.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Initial impressions significantly shape subsequent information processing.
- Understanding how individuals update their attitudes is crucial in social cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sequential information on attitude polarization.
- To determine if moderately polarized information amplifies existing impressions.
Main Methods:
- Participants received highly polarized information about a person.
- Subsequently, they were presented with moderately polarized information of the same valence.
- Participants indicated if their liking for the person increased, decreased, or stayed the same.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (65%) showed increased polarization (p <.001).
- This 'adding' response, indicating amplified impressions, was more frequent for negative adjectives (p <.05).
Conclusions:
- Moderately polarized information tends to reinforce and strengthen initial, strong impressions.
- Negative information appears to be a stronger driver of impression amplification than positive information.
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