Self-schema for assertiveness: Extending the validity of the self-schema construct

This research attempted to extend the validity of the self-schema concept by examining a previously untested self-attribute and by examining self-schema effects on the interpretation of more realistic stimulus situations than used in past studies. The attribute was a self-schema for assertiveness and the validity of this self-knowledge structure was evaluated in two studies. In Stuty 1 assertion schematics and aschematics were compared for retrieval of schema-relevant information on a laboratory task of incidental recall. In Study 2 schematics and aschematics were compared on five different tasks that required elaboration of information about rights assertion conflict situations. Study 1 results revealed that schematics as compared to aschematics recalled more assertion related adjectives but did not differ in recall of domain-irrelevant words. Results from Study 2 showed that schematics as compared to aschematics recalled more past instances of assertive behaviors when asked to elaborate why an assertion adjective was endorsed as “Like me”. Also, schematics were significantly more certain they would behave assertively both in situations where assertion was appropriate and in those where compromise was more appropriate. On two perceptual factors known to correlate with assertive behavior, schematics were more likely to judge moderately legitimate requests (i.e., ambiguous requests) as more unreasonable and when asked to generate expected consequences for assertive responses focused more on self rather than other person consequences. The consistency of the results with respect to various hypothesized functions of the self-schema construct are discussed.     

Cognitive architectures: Research issues and challenges

In this paper, we examine the motivations for research on cognitive architectures and review some candidates that have been explored in the literature. After this, we consider the capabilities that a cognitive architecture should support, some properties that it should exhibit related to representation, organization, performance, and learning, and some criteria for evaluating such architectures at the systems level. In closing, we discuss some open issues that should drive future research in this important area.     

Attributional Complexity: A Link Between Training, Job Complexity, Decision Latitude, Leader–Member Exchange, and Performance

Previous research demonstrated that individuals differ in the relative sophistication of their schemas for organizing and interpreting social stimuli (i.e., attributional complexity, or AC) and that AC has been linked to performance in social situations. In the present study, 420 employed students completed surveys for an investigation of the relationship between individual, work role, and job characteristics; AC; and job performance. Educational level and major predicted AC, but leader–member exchange (LMX), decision latitude (DL), and social/task complexity of the job did not. Contrary to expectations, social and task complexity did not interact with DL and LMX to predict AC. AC, DL, LMX, and educational level predicted job performance. Further, AC interacted with social complexity of the job to predict performance. The results suggest that AC may be both content and process based, and predictive of performance in certain jobs.