Control, Interdependence and Power: Understanding Social Cognition in Its Social Context

Abstract

A theory of control in interdependence and power relations is supported by a program of laboratory research. Control needs are basic and predict information-seeking in social relationships. Those without social power typically seek the most diagnostic information, making individuation more likely. Those who do have social power seek less diagnostic information about others and are vulnerable to stereotyping them. Moreover, feelings of control not only reflect individual power positions but also group power positions. Remaining challenges include the impact of outcome expectations on information-seeking and continuing to remedy the power lacuna in social psychology.