The low robustness of the gain effect of interpersonal attraction: Some empirical and theoretical considerations

Subjects were exposed either to positive–positive evaluations or to negative-positive evaluations. In addition, evaluator's credibility was manipulated (high, low, neutral). Liking for the evaluator, perceived correctness, and perceived contingency of the evaluations were assessed as dependent variables. The gain effect suggested by Aronson and Linder (1965) was not found in any of the three dependent measures. Implications of these findings are discussed.