When groups are more competitive than individuals: The domain of the discontinuity effect.

The related goals of the research were to delineate the domain of discontinuity, 1st by demonstrating its occurrence in a nonmatrix situation and, 2nd, by establishing the antecedent outcome conditions necessary for producing a discontinuity effect. The 1st goal was met by designing a mixed motive situation involving the production of origami products. Under these conditions, the magnitude of the discontinuity effect did not significantly differ from that in a matrix-only condition. The 2nd goal was met by a separate experiment that used H. H. Kelley and J. W. Thibaut's (1978) analysis of degree of noncorrespondence of outcomes. This experiment demonstrated that as noncorrespondence increased, so did the rate of competitive responding by groups but not by individuals. This pattern was qualified by an interaction with gender such that competitiveness was more markedly affected by noncorrespondence for groups of women than for groups of men. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Beyond the group mind: A quantitative review of the interindividual-intergroup discontinuity effect.

This quantitative review of 130 comparisons of interindividual and intergroup interactions in the context of mixed-motive situations reveals that intergroup interactions are generally more competitive than interindividual interactions. The authors identify 4 moderators of this interindividual-intergroup discontinuity effect, each based on the theoretical perspective that the discontinuity effect flows from greater fear and greed in intergroup relative to interindividual interactions. Results reveal that each moderator shares a unique association with the magnitude of the discontinuity effect. The discontinuity effect is larger when (a) participants interact with an opponent whose behavior is unconstrained by the experimenter or constrained by the experimenter to be cooperative rather than constrained by the experimenter to be reciprocal, (b) group members make a group decision rather than individual decisions, (c) unconstrained communication between participants is present rather than absent, and (d) conflict of interest is severe rather than mild. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Excesses of the normalization concept.

Comments on S. Landesman and E. C. Butterfield's (see record 1988-01920-001) review of the normalization/deinstitutionalization controversy in the mental retardation field. It is argued that by basing their position on the rules of evidence, the published literature, and rational inference, the authors were unable to give a full account of the ideologues who currently dominate the extremes of the controversy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Specific and nonspecific factors in the effectiveness of a treatment system.

The paradox of the placebo concept is used to evaluate both specific and nonspecific treatment components responsible for the effectiveness of North Carolina's statewide program for the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children (Division {teacch}). Empirical studies used to demonstrate specific treatment procedures of structured teaching and parent training are reviewed. The use of extended field trials to avoid negative side effects and short-lived fads characteristic of many specific treatment techniques is discussed. The enthusiastic response of the program's constituency, or the nonspecific effects of the {teacch} system, are evaluated from personal observation, to reduce their vagueness and potential for misunderstanding. Central program concepts and structures that generate and support this nonspecific response of enthusiasm are discussed. It is concluded that empirical research demonstrating specific treatment techniques must be evaluated in the broader context of nonspecific treatment effects. Implications for other service programs are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluation of outcome improvement resulting from threats and appeals.

In a simulated industrial setting 90 college students performed a clerical task, believing that their pay was being determined by a peer allocator. After being treated inequitably, Ss were able either to threaten the (fictitious) allocator or appeal to fairness principles, or they had no say ("mute" condition). During a 2nd series of pay periods, Ss' pay either remained constant, improved such that they and the allocator received equal shares, or improved such that Ss received more than the allocator ("comprehension" condition). The total pay was identical in all conditions and created a context of overall inequity. Increased satisfaction and perceived fairness were observed with improved outcomes in both the mute and the threat conditions. In the appeal conditions, satisfaction and perceived fairness were highest in the equality cell. Results are interpreted in terms of relative deprivation. Implications for responses of recipients in ameliorative social programs are presented. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Individual-group discontinuity as a function of fear and greed.

Two studies tested the schema-based distrust interpretation of the tendency of intergroup relations to be more noncooperative (or competitive) than interindividual relations. According to this interpretation, anticipated competitiveness rationally leads to noncooperativeness or defensive withdrawal. Thus, the postulated motivation is fear of the group's competitive intent. Study 1 was a nonexperimental investigation in which discussion of distrust of another group was assessed and correlated with the number of cooperative choices. As predicted, the greater the within-group discussion of distrust for the other group, the less the number of cooperative choices. Study 2 was an experimental investigation that included as independent variables intergroup versus interindividual relations and PDG matrix versus PDG-Alt matrix (PDG matrix plus a third Alt or withdrawal choice producing intermediate outcomes regardless of the opponent's choice). As predicted, there were more withdrawal choices on the PDG-Alt matrix for groups than for individuals. However, it was still found that on the PDG-Alt matrix (where a safe withdrawal choice is possible), groups competed more than individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interindividual–intergroup discontinuity reduction through the anticipation of future interaction.

Consistent with the role of a long-term perspective in reducing the tendency of intergroup relations to be more competitive than interindividual relations in the context of noncorrespondent outcomes, an experiment demonstrated that anticipated future interaction reduced intergroup but not interindividual competitiveness. Further results indicated that the effect was present only for groups composed of members high in abstractness (Openness–Intellect on the Big 5 Inventory and Intuition on the Myers–Briggs Type Inventory) who trusted their opponents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Authoritarianism and reactions to "sputniks."

"This study investigated the relationship between authoritarianism, as measured by an F scale, and changing or retaining predictions following a natural influence event. Following Sputnik I, college Ss made forced-choice predictions… about which nation is most likely to get to the moon first. The same prediction was again elicited following Sputnik II. Among Ss who initially favored the U. S., those who did not change their prediction… received significantly higher scores on the F scale than did those who changed their initial predictions." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mothers and fathers of young developmentally disabled and nondisabled boys: Adaptation and spousal support.

Assessed the extent to which the presence of a young developmentally disabled or nondisabled male child affected adaptation and family roles for both parents. Developmental child assessments, in-home ratings of parenting, and maternal and paternal self-assessments and interviews were included. Marital adjustment, disruptions in family life, and observed parenting of the child (but not depression) varied with disability status of child. Mothers in both groups reported more depressive symptoms and family disruptions than fathers. Fathers of disabled children assumed less responsibility than comparison fathers for child care, even in mother-employed families. Decreased father involvement in child care was specific to the disabled child, not to siblings, and was related to severity of the child's atypical behaviors. Expressive support from one's spouse was the best predictor of quality of parenting for both mothers and fathers of disabled and nondisabled sons. Disharmony between current and "appropriate" spousal support was a significant negative predictor of perceived and observed parental adaptation. The concept of harmonic responsiveness was proposed to explain how proffered support must be tuned to the perceived needs and expectations of one's spouse. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

John Walter Thibaut (1917–1986).

John Thibaut died on February 19, 1986, after a five month bout with lung cancer. Characteristically, he lived his last months with dignity and with deep love for his wife and children. With an extensive circle of students, colleagues, and friends he was one of the most loved and respected figures in psychology. Professionally, he had made major contributions to his science and university and had received recognition through election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1978), receipt of the Distinguished Senior Scientist Award from the Society for Experimental Social Psychology (1981), and receipt of the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association (1983). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)