Forty-eight subjects read eight scenarios in which a decision was made between alternatives varying in arbitrariness. Nonarbitrary solutions were perceived as most deserving of support and unwarrantedly arbitrary solutions were judged least deserving. Warrantedly arbitrary solutions were rated between these two. Subjects rated decisions having personal import more negatively than those concerned with impersonal content. Suggestions for future research on normative change are made.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Jacobs, R. C. , & Campbell, D. T.The perpetuation of an arbitrary tradition through several generations of a laboratory microculture. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 1961, 62, 649-658.
2.
MacNeil, M. K. Power of status in norm formation under differing conditions of group solidarity. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Oklahoma, 1967.
3.
MacNeil, M. K. , & Sherif, M.Norm change over subject generations as a function of arbitrariness of prescribed norms. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1976, 34, 762-773.
4.
Weick, K. E. , & Gilfillan, D. P.Fate of arbitrary traditions in a laboratory microculture. Journal of Personality, and Social Psy,chology, 1971, 17, 170-191.
5.
Winer, B. J.Statistical principles in experimental design. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1971.
