The Similarity Between the Perception and Interpretation of Information in a Profane and a Religious Context

Abstract

On the basis of descriptions of hypothetical patients, participants provided similarity ratings regarding 1 of the following issues: (a) the patients' religious attitudes, (b) religious doctrines in which the patients adhered, (c) their personalities, and (d) the nature of the (chemical) medicines the patients were taking. Patterns of (dis)similarities produced by participants were compared with theoretical patterns diagnosing 2 complementary modes of thinking or cognitive programs: (a) The Self-Other (SO) Program, which is related to correspondent inference theory, generates a personalized discourse, and shapes reasoning about personality; and (b) the Third-Person (3P) Program, which is related to the analysis of variance model of causal attribution, generates a depersonalized discourse, and shapes reasoning in natural sciences. Consistently, inferences regarding personalities and medicines reflected the SO and 3P programs, respectively. Like personality inferences, inferences concerning religion also reflected the SO program, however, only if religion was presented as an attitude. Inferences about religion as a doctrine reflected the 3P program and resembled inferences about medicines rather than inferences about personality. Although participants were probably able to think in terms of complementarity, combined use of the SO and 3P programs was exceptional.