Effect of Sensitivity Training on Tolerance For Dissonance

Abstract

The effect of sensitivity training on an individual's ability to tolerate attitude-discrepant behavior was explored. A group of college seniors (Group i, N = 45) used a traditional case discussion method throughout a semester course in leadership. A second group (Group 2, N 39) participated in sensitivity training half the semester before discussing cases. During the fourteenth week of the semester each S was asked to evaluate the leadership behavior described in an assigned case. Each S then was asked to write an essay advocating a position contrary to his initial judgment. Each S was subsequently asked to reevaluate the appropriateness of the leadership behavior described in the case. Ss in Group 1 changed their initial assessment to favor the advocacy position (p < .ooi) Group 2 Ss did not significantly alter their judgment. The study was later replicated with a comparison group (Group 3, N = 16) taught by the experimental group instructor using the teaching method employed in the original control group. Group 3 Ss significantly altered their posttest judgments (p< .ooi), indicating that the observed differences between Group 1 and Group 2 were not a result of the instructor variable.