Type and strength of self-construal interact with the influence of anchoring heuristics in appraisals of self-efficacy

The thrust of this study was to evaluate the effect of self-construal type and strength on self-efficacy when an anchoring heuristic is provided. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: high anchor, low anchor, medium anchor, or no anchor. We first measured self-construal type (independent versus interdependent, or “I” versus “We”) and also computed participants' strength of self-construal type. Finally, we measured participants' perceived self-efficacy to complete a puzzle task. Our findings indicated a three-way interaction among “anchors,” self-construal type and self-construal strength regarding self-efficacy. A main effect for self-construal type was also found. Specifically, independent self-construal participants had significantly higher levels of self-efficacy. The theoretical basis as well as the implications of this finding are discussed.