Reactance in a picture-identification task using a fuzzy-set encoded target pool

Abstract

It is theorized that the sheep-goat effect may be partly attributable to ‘reactance’, which is hypothesized to have negative effects on psi performance. A reactance treatment in the form of an opinionated communication (putatively perceived as a threat to freedom) can raise reactance, which remains high if no outlet is provided (Brehm, 1966). This induced effect can result in a noncompliant attitude and response, purely as a knee-jerk reaction to the threat. It is hypothesised that higher noncompliant behaviour (e.g., psi-missing in psi tasks) can be induced in reactant participants, and goats may be particularly vulnerable. Storm, Ertel and Rock (2013), Storm and Rock (2014b), and Storm (2019), found support for the reactance hypothesis. The reactance principle was used in the present study to manipulate psi in a negative direction, but the present study also took a more focused look at the psychological responses to the reactance treatment, so as to gauge their effects on psi. Two randomly formed groups participated in a picture-guessing task (total N = 80): (a) ‘Reactants’ (n = 40), and (b) ‘Controls’ (i.e., ‘non-reactants’; n = 40). Direct-hits was the psi measure in a five-choice design (MCE = 20%). A significant sheep-goat effect was found. Reactants did perform at chance only (hit rate = 20%), whereas the non-reactants scored considerably higher (hit-rate = 27.5%), but the difference was not significant (probably due to low N). Each group (reactants and controls) can be subdivided into sheep and goats: Reactant goats were the worst performing group. Scores on measures of psychological responses to the reactance treatment (i.e., ‘perceived threat to freedom’ and ‘anger’) did not correlate with direct hitting.