Social Progression and Polarization: a Study of Discussion and Negotiation in Groups of Mining Supervisors

Abstract

Ninety-six mining supervisors completed a Role Perception Questionnaire. On the basis of their replies two-person and four-person groups were formed in which members of the group were cither Agreed (were on the same side) on three items for discussion, or Divided (half and half on opposite sides). Following discussion subjects individually recorded their opinions on the item in question. Social progression (movement in a given direction) and position extremity (movement to extreme positions) were examined within this 2 × 2 factorial design. Agreed groups became significantly more extreme than Divided groups at post-discussion, and four-person groups produced greater polarization than two-person groups. Divided subjects, on the other hand, progressed negatively (contrary to their initial polarization) and Agreed subjects progressed positively (in line with their initial polarization). This difference was significantly greater in the two-person than in the four-person condition. Greater attitude change overall occurred in the Divided than in the Agreed conditions. Explanations are proffered, and some implications discussed.