Increasing Success and Information Search
Abstract
Predictions from four theories or extensions of theories for information search under conditions of increasing experimentally induced success were compared. Subjects participated in an experimental simulation. The number of search decisions and the use of information gained through search were measured. It was found that increasing experimentally induced success produces diverse information search effects. Information search increases for homogeneous groups of complex (multidimensional personality structure) and decreases for groups of simple (more unidimensional personality structure) subjects. Earlier statements of complexity theory were unable to predict the results. Revised complexity theory (Streufert, 1970) did predict the obtained data. The behavior of complex groups was predicted by the position of Lanzetta and associates. The behavior of simple groups matched the predictions of extensions of learning theory and the information search theory of Feather. The potential basis of the results is discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0764882
Entities
People
- Siegfried Streufert
Organizations
- Purdue University