The asymmetrical force of persuasive knowledge across the positive-negative divide

In two experimental studies we explore to what extent the general effects of positive and negative framing also apply to positive and negative persuasion. Our results reveal that negative persuasion induces substantially higher levels of skepticism and awareness of being subjected to a persuasion at...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mads eNordmo, Marcus eSelart
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2015-09-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
Subjects:
CSR
Online Access:http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01324/full
Description
Summary:In two experimental studies we explore to what extent the general effects of positive and negative framing also apply to positive and negative persuasion. Our results reveal that negative persuasion induces substantially higher levels of skepticism and awareness of being subjected to a persuasion attempt. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in positive persuasion, more claims lead to stronger persuasion, while in negative persuasion, the numerosity of claims carries no significant effect. We interpret this finding along the lines of a satiety-model of persuasion. Finally, using diluted, or low strength claims in a persuasion attempt, we reveal a significant interaction between dispositional reactance and dilution of claims on persuasion knowledge. The interaction states that diluted claims increase the awareness of being subjected to a persuasion attempt, but only for those with a high dispositional level of reactance.
ISSN:1664-1078