A determinant of the relationship between rigidity and authoritarianism.

Abstract

Because an exploratory study failed to verify a previous finding of a relationship between problem-solving rigidity and ethnocentrism, a comparison was made of experimental procedures. "This comparison suggested that it might be necessary to arouse some anxiety over achievement before authoritarian Ss would perform rigidly on the Einstellung arithmetic problems. It was specifically hypothesized that this anxiety would be aroused when the testing orientation was ego involving." The data support the hypothesis. Authoritarian rigidity is discussed in the light of these findings in terms of a defense reaction. 15 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)