Order of consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency information and causal attributions

Abstract

Two studies tested the hypothesis that the order of presenting consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency information concerning an event may affect attributions of causality for the event. In particular, it seemed that the relative weakness of consensus information in previous studies may have been due to a recency effect because consensus was always presented first. 90 undergraduates, assigned to 1 of 3 order conditions, were given questionnaires containing descriptions of 8 events, according to procedures described by L. A. McArthur (see record). Each event was followed by consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency information arranged in a predetermined order. Results show the predicted recency effect in the use of consensus for both person and stimulus attributions. The discussion focuses on methodology and interpretational issues. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1976 American Psychological Association.