Short Communication

‘Perceived ownership’ or cognitive dissonance?

Corresponding Author

Robert J. Watson

[email protected]

University of Ballarat, Australia

School of Behavioural & Social Sciences & Humanities, University of Ballarat, PO Box 663, University Drive, Mt Helen, Ballarat, Victoria 3353, Australia.Search for more papers by this author

John H. Winkelman,

John H. Winkelman

University of Ballarat, Australia

Search for more papers by this author

Robert J. Watson,

Corresponding Author

Robert J. Watson

[email protected]

University of Ballarat, Australia

School of Behavioural & Social Sciences & Humanities, University of Ballarat, PO Box 663, University Drive, Mt Helen, Ballarat, Victoria 3353, Australia.Search for more papers by this author

John H. Winkelman,

John H. Winkelman

University of Ballarat, Australia

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 17 June 2005

https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.255

Citations: 6

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Abstract

In 1992 a study by Beggan claimed it had confirmed the existence of Nuttin's ‘mere ownership effect’. This study examined an alternative mechanism for Beggan's findings in the form of forced compliance cognitive dissonance. Seventy-three participants volunteered for the study (66 females and seven males). Results support the view that cognitive dissonance, accepting ownership of a target that was earlier perceived with negative affectivity, is a sufficient condition to enhance estimates of a target object. Ownership per se was not found to be a sufficient condition to enhance owner's estimates of an owned object. In light of this finding cognitive dissonance is offered as a possible mechanism for explaining the previous reports of a perceived ownership effect. This mechanism may also be applicable to instant endowment and mere ownership phenomena. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Volume35, Issue3

May/June 2005

Pages 403-411

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