Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: Groups are typically hostile toward opinion deviates, and this response is influenced by characteristics of both the group and the deviate (Levine & Thompson, 1996). Regulatory Fit Theory (Higgins, 2000) makes novel predictions about the impact of these two classes of variables on reaction to deviance. Based on evidence that “fit” between regulatory focus (promotion vs. prevention) and strategic orientation in pursuing a goal (eagerness vs. vigilance) intensifies affective responses to stimuli, it was predicted that group members with a promotion focus would respond more negatively to deviates presenting eager rather than vigilant arguments, whereas members with a prevention focus would respond in exactly the opposite manner. Sixty-five three-person groups of male and female undergraduates (N = 189) were placed in either a promotion or prevention focus and then discussed a proposed senior thesis requirement (95% opposed the proposal). Next, groups watched a male student arguing in favor of the proposal and evaluated the speaker and his message. As predicted, groups in fit conditions (promotion-eager and prevention-vigilant) evaluated the speaker more negatively than did groups in non-fit conditions (promotion-vigilant and prevention-eager). However, group evaluations of the speaker’s message did not differ as a function of fit vs. non-fit. This study clarifies factors underlying group hostility toward people who dissent from consensus and extends the range of Regulatory Fit Theory by using its principles to generate hypotheses about small group phenomena.
Author: Kira Alexander
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W607914141