Dissent and the search for information

Abstract

Extending the theorizing of Nemeth (1986, 1995), the present study investigated the hypothesis that minority dissent would stimulate a search for more information and that this search would be relatively unbiased. People should search for information on all sides of the issue. By contrast, it was predicted that majority dissent would stimulate less overall desire for further information and, importantly, any information search would be relatively biased. In direct contrast to predictions for 'selective exposure' it was hypothesized that individuals exposed to majority dissent would bias their search in favour of the majority position. The evidence generally confirmed these propositions, especially under conditions of 'high relevance.' The importance of information search and its implications for the quality of group decision making are explored.