The Influence of Different Encoding Sets Upon the Formation of Illusory Correlations and Group Impressions

Abstract

Subjects encoded information about two hypothetical groups using either an impression formation or memorization encoding set. One group was 44% as large as the other. In all, 33% of the information was negative and 67% of the information was positive about each group. Subjects were subsequently asked (1) to recognize the information attributed to each group from a larger list of information, (2) to estimate the number of positive and negative information items ascribed to each group, and (3) to indicate how much they liked each group. Results in the memorization condition replicated the illusory correlation results in memory and liking measures reported in Hamilton and Gifford (1976). However, the impression formation instructions moderated the influence of distinctiveness upon memory measures and eliminated any influence of illusory correlations upon the liking measure. These results are discussed with regard to their relevance for understanding memory/judgment interrelationships.

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