| The present research investigated whether select individual difference variables were associated with the magnitude of the self-serving bias displayed in a bargaining context. Previous research has provided extensive evidence for the existence of the bias. In addition to the support for the bias itself, recent research has focused on identifying possible sources of the self-serving bias (Thompson & Loewenstein, 1992; Paese & Yonker, 2001). In two separate studies, questions regarding who exhibits the bias to a greater or lesser extent were investigated. Nine individual difference variables were hypothesized to be associated with the magnitude of the self-serving bias. Hypothesis development was based heavily on Campbell and Sedikide's Self-Threat Model (1999). Multiple regression analyses employed in both studies yielded inconsistent results in terms of main effects. Q-type factor analysis was also performed to explore whether certain combinations of the individual difference variables were reliably associated with the magnitude of the self-serving bias. Replicable profiles with acceptable classification rates were constructed, although none were associated with the magnitude of the bias. Subsequent implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed. |
