The Consequences of Positive and Negative Perceptual Identification

Summary

This study tested the consequences of positive and negative perceptual identification under conditions where the other person (C) represented an ideal or threatening aspect of the Ss' identity. One hundred male students (17 to 25 years of age) participated in the experiment, which followed a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. The C was presented as either similar or dissimilar to the Ss and as successful or unsuccessful in an important exam that they were about to take. The other variable was presentation of the C as a co-worker or unrelated other. Attitudes towards the C and imitation of his choices in a person perception task were the dependent variables. As predicted, positive perceptual identification with the C led to further identification and positive feelings toward him. The hypothesis that negative perceptual identification would be followed by behavioral differentiation was not confirmed, although there was some evidence to suggest that Ss tended to deny similarity with the C in this situation.