A previous version of expectation theory assumed that the likelihood that evaluations will be accepted and used to assign performance expectations for group members depends upon the perceived ability level of the evaluator. An extension of the theory asserts that, in the absence of knowledge of the evaluator's ability, acceptance of his…

Investigated the relationship between self-esteem and performance outcome as related to causal attribution. Results indicated that: (1) success was attributed more to ability and effort; (2) performance outcomes consistent with self-esteem were attributed more to ability and task difficulty; and (3) performance outcomes inconsistent with…

In a recent article Jensen proposed the existence of what was termed the sex x race x ability interaction in which the differences in mental ability between the black sexes were larger than the corresponding differences among whites. Three large sources of data that were analyzed failed to reveal the interaction. Since Jensen's own work suggested…

Two social psychological theories--similarity theory and equity theory--are employed to elucidate the relationship between group members' abilities and group performance on tasks involving high levels of interdependence. Contrasting hypotheses are drawn regarding specific ability compositions that should evoke performance above or below the simple…