Describes a theory of reinterpretation assessment that explores the relationship between second-guessing and the use of social information-gathering tactics. Tests four principles on which this theory is based, concerning the effects of motivational, cognitive, and practical antecedents on the tactics employed by social actors to improve…

Results of three studies provide considerable support for the importance, existence, and the normative adequacy of the cognitive process of "second guessing." Preliminary data suggest that people are quite good at detaching sources of bias and make reasonable adjustments in their judgments to correct for those biases. (PD)