The public expression of opinions (and related communicative activities) hinges upon the perception of opinion consensus. Current explanations for opinion consensus perceptions typically focus on egocentric and other biases, rather than functional cognitions. Using self-categorization theory we showed that opinion consensus perceptions flow from…

Builds a typology of the temporal paths by which decisions develop. Develops a typology with 11 different decision paths in three main groups: unitary sequences, complex sequences, and solution-centered sequences. Finds analysis of this typology supports the multiple sequence model, but also suggests a role for normative unitary models. (MS)