Source of feedback, observational learning, and attitude change

Conducted 2 studies on the differential effects of self-attributed vs other-attributed feedback on observational learning and attractiveness ratings of pictures. In Exp I, 60 male undergraduates were shown slides of girls' faces and presented with scores allegedly reflecting their own emotional reactions to the girls' physical attractiveness (self group) or the reactions of another S (other group). Both recall and preference were affected by the alleged feedback source. The self group showed the best recall and greatest influence on preference; the control group showed the poorest recall and least influence. In Exp II, 80 Ss underwent a similar procedure, except that feedback was attributed to self, a similar or different other, or random events. Preranking permitted replication with feedback that was highly discrepant or not discrepant from Ss' rankings. Recall was affected by feedback source and discrepancy magnitude, as was preference change. Results support the hypotheses on the effects of source of feedback derived from an observational learning model. Data suggest the utility of social learning theory in conceptualizing the effects of self vs other as due to component dimensions rather than to a dichotomous distinction. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).