Reactions to Opinion Deviates as Affected by Affiliation Need (n) and Group Member Interdependence

S's (Coll students, 33 M's & 62 F's) were subjected to an exp'al procedure involving predicting a fictitious mediation board's decision in a labor-management dispute. Affiliation need was measured by analysis of S's answers to 10 statements of behavior asking S what he thought would usually be the reason for each behavioral statement. 4 or 5 S's of the same sex formed each group. High interdependence was aroused by stating that prizes would be awarded to best group, low interdependence that prizes would be awarded to best individuals. Predictions were made twice by checking 1 of 11 alternatives given to the S's, first after receiving information on the case, & second after a `group discussion.' S's worked in isolated cubicles, passing information to the exp'ter who returned or relayed information. Exp'ter controlled communication by returning & relaying information previously prepared in order to ensure various commonalities in perception of deviates & other factors. Volume of communication from & to each S was analyzed, & a post-session questionnaire gathered data on attractiveness of members of S's group & other items. Findings support the hyp's that members of a group who perceive themselves to be in agreement direct most of their initial communications to the deviates, that in high interdependent groups there will be a greater tendency to reject the deviate if his deviation persists, & only partially support the hyp that affiliation need is related to communciation to the deviate. C. R. Shepherd.