We can take a preferred position (the anchor) somewhere along a spectrum of potential positions. The higher the ego, the higher the range of rejection in relation to the range of acceptance. The lower the ego, the lower the range of rejection is compared to the range of acceptance. The latitude of rejection: a range of positions we interpret as unacceptable.
The latitude of non-commitment: a range of positions we don’t have much an opinion. The latitude of acceptance: a range of positions we will readily accept, to include our anchor. We also categorize our attitudes of potential positions based onġ) our relative preferred position (the anchor) and, For example, a staunch democrat or staunch republican might have a higher ego involvement for their candidate than an undecided independent (which isn’t surprising). It should be no surprise then that worldviews, politics, religion, background, and identity can increase ego involvement. Other factors may contribute to ego involvement, but these are typical. someone incorporates their position into their identity,.It can often be bad (leading to false confidence), but it can also be good in some cases. This is opposed to coercion, which is forcefully manipulating someone who really cannot resist it, and unethical manipulation, which uses persuasive elements to make illogical arguments seem cogent.Īs people, we have different ego involvements on various topics.
Like the term ‘argument,’ it is not a negative term, it merely means influencing the shifting of someone else’s position and understanding, who has the freedom to do so willingly. It is relevant in science communication, particularly in trying to attenuate pseudoscientific beliefs, but it is also applicable to critical thinking and argument in a broader sense too. The beauty of SJT is in its simplicity and broad applicability. Social Judgment Theory (SJT) is one (of many) that can help explain these trends. Ever notice that people often argue past each other? Or that changing someone’s mind seems to happen slowly (if at all)? I’d bet a 30-pack of beer to a stick of gum that says you have.