| Description |
As the criterion portion of a larger predictive study, McGuire's logic model of cognitive consistency was tested for applicability to issues naturally salient to Ss, Crucial issues in Nursing; were used. Sex differences were examined. The basic instruments for data collection were two questionnaires constructed from randomly intermingled syllogistic propositions. These two questionnaires, a probability and a desirability one, contained identical propositions and sequence of propositions but a different standard rating scale for each. Before- and after-persuasive communication probability and desirability ratings were obtained. The effects assessed were wishful and logical thinking, Socratic effect, direct and indirect impact of persuasive communications, and rationalization. Ss were 271 Nursing; students, 115 men and 156 women. A 2 (sex) x 2 (experimental-control) x 3 (sets of issues) design was used. Hypotheses suggested by the model and tested were (a) beliefs expressed in the first session are distorted in the direction of desirability, i.e., wishful thinking introduces inconsistency among the set of statements; (Supported for both sexes, ps<.001); (b) merely being asked to state opinions on related issues sensitizes the person to inconsistencies, and thus he tends to change his opinions (Socratic effect); (1) syllogisms with relatively less desirable conclusions as compared with their premises show an increase in excess probability rating of the conclusions relative to the premises (Supported for both sexes, ps<.01); (ii) syllogisms with relatively more desirable conclusions as compared with their premises show a decrease in excess probability rating of the conclusions relative to the premises (Supported only for men, p<„001); (c) communications that are effective in changing beliefs on the target propositions (minor premises) also change beliefs on derived unmentioned propositions (conclusions), so as to maintain consistency among beliefs (Partially supported. Beliefs on minor premises were affected, pS<.01 for men and <.001 for women; only women showed the predicted carry-over to conclusions, £<*001); (d) changes on derivative unmentioned propositions are less in amount than logically required for complete consistency with the change induced on the target propositions; (Refuted; obtained changes were unreliably greater than logically required for both sexes); (e)on reading communications arguing for truth of the minor premises, experimental Ss rate minor premises more desirable than do control Ss, a rationalization effect (Supported only for women, p<,01); (f) on reading communications arguing for truth of the minor premises, conclusions also are rated more desirable by experimental Ss than by controls (Supported only for women, p<.001). There were no sex differences in changes on the minor premises and conclusions or in the« other effects measurable by the model. The lack of sex differences in the effects was despite sex differences on Gough's Fe Scale (p<001). Comparisons of findings were made with those of other investigators who used the McGuire model. Findings on some of the effects were discussed in terms of the literature on sex differences. Limitations of the study were noted. Implications for future research were suggested. |
