Responsibility: As Attributed by U.S. Army Officers.
Abstract
The cognitive process of attribution of responsibility (AR) was empirically studies to establish baseline AR data within the U.S. Army. In the experiment, two sections of 41, middle-grade, U.S. Army officers (Captains, Majors, and Lieutenant Colonels), attending the USACGSC were administered one of two AR questionnaires. The two questionnaires were constructed using 4 stories (2 with positive and 2 with negative outcomes) with five variations of each to represent the 5 levels of AR. One questionnaire was made up of purely military settings and the other was made up of purely civilian settings. Following past AR research, the stories included the minimum components necessary to elicit AR at each of the 5 levels. Story content was relevant to middle-grade military officers. AR varied significantly with Levels, Outcomes, Groups X Levels, Groups X Outcomes, and Outcomes X Levels (p > .005 or higher). The study supported past empirical tests of Heider's theoretical AR curve; based on the impact of environmental factors. However, the results very strongly supported the hypothesized decrement of AR at the 'Justifies' Level. This finding poses a higher level of AR maturity/sophistication in the present S population than populations used in past AR research. The study further revealed a dualistic view of AR held by U.S. Army officers when presented with like situations in purely military and civilian settings. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 11, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA029671
Entities
People
- Francis J. Sisti
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College