The social value of social representations: Replication of previous findings and test of novel hypotheses

ABSTRACT

The central core theory establishes that the organization of a social representation depends on a distinction between central and peripheral cognitions. Only the first ones are considered as particularly linked to the group identity. Previous works showed that, contrary to peripheral cognitions, central cognitions are subject to social valorization within the group. The present contribution aimed to conceptually replicate this finding, and to explore new hypotheses. We implemented two self-presentation paradigms (N = 161 and N = 183) using two different measures of adherence to social representation’s cognitions. The previous results related to the social value of central cognitions were replicated twice in a row. However, both studies also highlighted the social value of peripheral cognitions and of the adherence to the social representation in its entirety. These results constitute interesting theoretical advancements, especially in the study of the articulation between social representations and social identity.

KEYWORDS:

• Social representations
• Structural approach
• Social value
• Conceptual replication

Highlights

• The results of two studies suggest that the adherence to the social representation seems to display normative features.

• The results of Zouhri and Rateau (2015b) related to the social value of central cognitions are replicated twice in a row.

• Both studies also highlight the social value of peripheral cognitions and of the adherence to the social representation in its entirety. These points represent interesting theoretical advancements for the articulation between social representations and social identity.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the French Ministry of Research and Education.