Structural balance and the induction of relations.

The article focuses on structural balance and the induction of relations. Three different methods have been used in studies, which explore sociologist F. Heider's principle of balance. One method follows from the assumption that the state of imbalance will produce tension, and it involves, therefore, ratings or rankings of tension or unpleasantness evoked by hypothetical configurations. The second method derives from the principle of induction of relations and equifinality, which holds that if, among a number of entities, only some of all possible relations exist, there will be a tendency to form new relations so as to maintain or to produce balance This method requires the subject to predict missing relations in hypothetical structures. The third method regards balance as one of many cognitive biases which individuals hold about social relations, and it utilizes the paired-associates learning technique to detect these biases. This last method is consistent with Heider's proposition that if no balanced state exists, then forces towards this state will arise. Either the dynamic characters will change, or the unit relations will be changed through action or through cognitive reorganization.