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This version was published on May 1, 2008
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Vol. 34, No. 5, 679-691 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0146167207313934

Biased Information Search in Homogeneous Groups: Confidence as a Moderator for the Effect of Anticipated Task Requirements

Rudolf Kerschreiter

Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, kerschreiter{at}psy.lmu.de

Stefan Schulz-Hardt

Georg-August University of Goettingen

Andreas Mojzisch

Georg-August University of Goettingen

Dieter Frey

Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich

When searching for information, groups that are homogeneous regarding their members' prediscussion decision preferences show a strong bias for information that supports rather than conflicts with the prevailing opinion (confirmation bias). The present research examined whether homogeneous groups blindly search for information confirming their beliefs irrespective of the anticipated task or whether they are sensitive to the usefulness of new information for this forthcoming task. Results of three experiments show that task sensitivity depends on the groups' confidence in the correctness of their decision: Moderately confident groups displayed a strong confirmation bias when they anticipated having to give reasons for their decision but showed a balanced information search or even a dis confirmation bias (i.e., predominately seeking conflicting information) when they anticipated having to refute counterarguments. In contrast, highly confident groups demonstrated a strong confirmation bias independent of the anticipated task requirements.

Key Words: information seeking • selective exposure • confirmation bias • group decision making • group confidence


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