Master's Theses

Department

Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

I-D orientation is a personality characteristic that refers to the extent to which individuals compensate for uncertainty in their environment. Those who compensate more are termed delayed-return individuals whereas those who compensate less are termed immediate return individuals. This study examined the relationship between I-D orientation among undergraduate students and preference for and engagement in hierarchical or egalitarian behaviors while in small groups with undefined power distribution. Because immediate-return societies (such as some indigenous African tribes) are largely based on egalitarianism and equality, it is expected that immediate-return individuals would prefer more egalitarian relationships. The l-D orientation of each student was determined and their behaviors while in a three-person debate group were both self-rated and externally-rated to determine any shifting towards hierarchical or egalitarian relationships. Based on data from the external raters, a significant relationship between I-D orientation and an individual’s shifting towards egalitarianism and transitive dominance was found. These results support the notion that immediate-return individuals favor and behave in egalitarian ways, even though they themselves are not aware of these behaviors.

Keywords

Psychology

Advisor

Kaira Hayes

Date of Award

Spring 2007

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

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