Concept Mapping As A Buffer Against Evaluative Flexibility

Attitude relevant knowledge is a central component to evaluative consistency and attitude representation. One way to assess the degree to which individuals deliberate and represent their knowledge is through concept mapping. Therefore, the present research investigated whether concept map deliberation moderated attitude consistency in a two-part experiment. Participants (N = 172) completed an online survey assessing personality, attitudes, and attitude strength toward physician assisted suicide (PAS). In a second onsite sessions participants were randomly assigned create an attitude-relevant or attitude-irrelevant concept map, and were randomly assigned to work with a fictitious partner who had a positive, negative, or unknown attitude toward PAS, which served as a source of social influence. Participants again reported attitudes and attitude strength. Results indicated that concept map relevance did not moderate PAS attitude consistency. Possible reasons for the null findings and future directions for research are explored