Resolution of Cognitive Conflict in an Australian Sample

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Abstract
Following a cognitive conflict paradigm derived from Brunswik's “lens-model,” this study sought to investigate further the cross-national generality of quantitative results demonstrating how persons resolve cognitive differences. Ten pairs of Australian university students were trained to depend on one of two cues in a judgment task. Ss who had learned contrasting cue dependencies, i.e., contrasting policies, were then paired and required to make joint decisions concerning similar types of problems. Several quantitative indices were used to determine agreement, conflict, and consistency of judgments. Results were similar to those found for other national samples in suggesting that when persons who disagree come together to solve problems, they progressively diminish “policy” differences but become increasingly inconsistent in their policies so that conflict is not significantly reduced beyond its initial level. A brief rationale for each index is presented along with substantive data for that index.

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