Preference for Inconsistent Information in Impression Formation

An experiment was conducted to test a derivation from a model of impression formation that inconsistent trait information would be evaluated more favorably than consistent trait information. It was predicted that the derivation would hold only under conditions where Ss were forewarned about the inconsistency. Ss rated their liking for several persons, each described by either one trait or a pair of traits. For half the trait pairs the two traits positively implied each other. For the other half of the trait pairs the two traits in a pair were strongly inconsistent. The results of the study supported the model. Inconsistent trait pairs were evaluated more favorably than consistent pairs. This result was obtained regardless of whether or not Ss were forewarned about the inconsistency.