The theoretical foundation for the present investi gation is the contention that there are three main areas of consideration regarding the judgmental process. These are: (1) stimulus variables, or the nature of the input; (2) out put or response'variables: and (3) mediational variables. or characteristics of the judge. Lewin's topology is used to view Dogmatism as a measure of the cognitive medium through which information is processed. The observation from his field theory that the most

more »

... nt feature of the medium is the fluidity-rigidity dimension is considered pertinent. A fluid medium is defined as one that responds quickly to any influence that is brought to bear on it, i.e., is flexible and pliant. By contrast, a rigid medium resists change, i.e., is inelastic and stiff. According to this