Birth Order and Responsiveness to Social Influence

Abstract

In the first study 125 Ss representing four birth-order groups participated in an interview during which a preselected response class (positive or negative self-statements) was reinforced. In the second study 40 Ss representing four birth-order groups participated in a series of six interviews during which E reinforced the preselected response class (positive or negative self-statements). There were no significant differences among birth-order groups in responsiveness to differential reinforcement of evaluative self-statements. Particularly, firstborns did not show the responsiveness to social influence which reportedly characterizes them. Findings were discussed in the context of the need for replications.