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Structural consistency and the deduction of novel from existing attitudes

Article Abstract:

Research has demonstrated the various directive effects of attitudes on processing information. The manner in which existing attitudes affect the evaluation of new information through logical, deductive reasoning processes is investigated. Results are consistent with a growing body of evidence that the different dimensions of attitude strength have unique effects. A surprisingly constraining set of circumstances was required for people to rely on their existing attitudes when evaluating new issues.

Psychological aspects, Social sciences, Information theory, Reasoning, Human information processing, Attitudes, Attitude (Psychology), Information theory in the social sciences

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Affective contrast and assimilation in counterfactual thinking

Article Abstract:

Counterfactual thinking produces affective contrast and assimilation effects. Two studies show that attentional focus on vividly imagined counterfactuals of autobiographical events promotes affective assimilation, whereas evaluative focus on the reality of events leads to affective contrast. Affective assimilation effects of focusing on the counterfactuals are only in terms of mood-state measures, while factual evaluation is sufficient to yield affective contrast.

Analysis, Counterfactuals (Logic), Affect (Psychology), Thought and thinking, Thinking

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