Effects of relativization of self and others on discussion productivity

• Published in: Toukai Journal of Psychology Vol. 13; pp. 8 - 21
• Main Authors: Yoshihara, Chieko, Ozeki, Miki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Toukai Psychological Association 2019
• Subjects: agreement; conflict of opinions; dyadic discussion productivity; relativization of the self and others; similarity
• ISSN: 1880-6422; 2758-5522
• DOI: 10.57549/tjp.13.0_8

This study examined the effects of relativization of the self and others with conflicting opinionson dyadic discussion productivity in face-to-face and computer-mediated situations. Two conditionswere set, depending on the level of agreement in the discussion, and two more conditions pertainingto the recognition of similarity of the partner’s general attitude. The messages in the discussionwere evaluated from the perspectives of diversity of issues, advantages of the opponent opinion, andpoliteness of expression. Experiment 1 (N = 78) involved a computer-mediated situation, in whichagreement was strongly required, and results indicated productive effects of diversity of points of viewwhile comparing the self with others. Moreover, while recognizing that the self and the partner weresimilar, polite expression increased as a result of relativization. However, in Experiment 2 (N = 66) ina face-to-face situation, the effect of suppressing productivity was observed symmetrically. Changesin the continuity of the dialogue, differences in the effects of relativization between situations, andapplicability of relativization were discussed.