An analysis of two quantitative theories of cognitive balance

Reviews previous attempts to formulate balance theories capable of accommodating interelement relations of varying magnitudes. 2 new algebraic formulations of the quantitative balance theories of N. T. Feather and W. M. Wiest are proposed. It is shown that the discrepancy principle used in the former theory contains an algebraic formulation which is equivalent to one that may be given for the upper boundaries of balance implied in the latter theory. Empirical results probing these theories provided some support for the algebraic formulation common to both theories, but disconfirmed the polarization principle which has been used as an adjunct to Wiest's geometric model. (17 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).