Day 065 - 09 Dec 94 - Page 67

     
     1        expected in this to try to disentangle the complex web of
     2        decision-making that goes on within a family.  It is much
     3        more likely that they are going to have difficulties in
     4        being able to do that than it is if they are asked a very
     5        simple and straightforward question, as the MORI survey
     6        sought to do, it sought to ask far more concrete
     7        questions.  This was, in fact, not asking questions at all;
     8        this was asking people to verbalize as best they could
     9        about what they thought was going on in their families.
    10
    11   Q.   People's verbalization was often at variance with their
    12        actual behaviour.  Is that your sentiment or is it not?
    13        A.  In relation to this particular piece of research?
    14
    15   Q.   No, did you say or did you not?
    16        A.  Did I say it just now?
    17
    18   Q.   No, at the Peterhouse.
    19        A.  Did I say it to Peterhouse?
    20
    Q.   Did you say it in response to the Psychology Business
    22        Report, did you say:  "Well, look, you cannot rely on this
    23        because people are not necessarily accurate in their
    24        reported assumptions of their attitudes and their
    25        verbalization is often at variance with their actual
    26        behaviour"?  Did you say that or words to that effect?
    27        A.  I do not have a problem with answering that question,
    28        except that can I ask your advice, if I may?  The
    29        Peterhouse seminar was covered by Chatham House rules.
    30        Now, I do not set Chatham House rules.
    31
    32   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I do not even know what they are.
    33
    34   MR. RAMPTON:  Nor do I; I thought they were something to do with
    35        the Navy.
    36        A.  It was the Advertising Authority's insistence which
    37        meant that statements made should not publicly be
    38        attributed to people.  Now, I am not certain if this is --
    39        I have no problem with agreeing with that statement but
    40        I would not wish to upset other people's Chatham House
         rules.
    42
    43   Q.   Let us forget about Chatham House and Peterhouse and any
    44        other house you like to mention and answer my question
    45        directly:  Is it your view that this Psychology Business
    46        piece of research is to be criticised for these two
    47        reasons:  First, that people are not necessarily accurate
    48        in their reported assumptions and attitudes and, second,
    49        that their verbalization is often at variance with their
    50        actual behaviour; is that a correct summary of at least 
    51        some part of your position in relation to this document? 
    52        A.  In relation to this particular technique and this 
    53        particular study they were some of the criticisms that
    54        I have just raised.
    55
    56   Q.   You mean you would not generalise and say people are not
    57        necessarily accurate in their reported assumptions and
    58        attitudes?
    59        A.  I think one has to look at what is being asked in what
    60        particular situation.