The Rejection of Deviates as a Function of Threat
Abstract
It was hypothesized that (a) Ss from two-man groups would be more rejecting of deviates than Ss from four-man groups; (b) high status deviates would be rejected more strongly than low status deviates; (c) high dogmatic Ss would be generally more rejecting of deviates than low dogmatic Ss; and (d) that high dogmatic Ss would b more status deviates and more rejecting of low status deviates than would low dogmatic Ss. The results failed to confirm either the group size or dogmatism hypothesis, but lent significant support to the hypotheses concerning status of the deviate and the interaction of status and dogmatism effects. In addition, significant differences were obtained in rejection and threat scores from Ss of the two ROTC branches. While the data indicate that a positive and significant relationship does exist between measures of experienced threat and the strength of Ss' tendency to reject deviates, the relationship appears to be more complex than that reflected in the hypotheses. Results are discussed in terms of power dynamics and an authoritarian-equalitarian dimension which seems to underlie the responses obtained. Such an explanation is in keeping with the basic concern for power and self-esteem postulated by Maslow as the source of interpersonal threat.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0421742
Entities
People
- Ernest J. Jr Hall
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin