Abstract
Two experiments examine how distance-dependent construal can affect trait aggregation in impression formation. We propose that, because higher- versus lower-level construals promote the tendency to impose schematic structure on information processing, higher-level construals should enhance schema-driven trait aggregation. We test this by examining a classic impression formation phenomenon: the primacy effect (Asch, 1946). Increasing temporal distance (Study 1a) and priming higher-level construals (Study 1b) led participants to form more favorable impressions of targets described initially as intelligent versus envious. Decreasing temporal distance and priming lower-level construals, in contrast, reversed the primacy effect. Thus, the distance of a target, with its associated construal, can impact the aggregation of traits and consequently impacts people's evaluations of others.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 278-281 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Experimental Social Psychology |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2011 |
Keywords
- Construal level
- Impression formation
- Primacy effect
- Schematic processing
- Temporal distance
- Trait aggregation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Sociology and Political Science