Warning, distraction, and resistance to influence.

Abstract

2 hypotheses about resistance to influence were tested: (a) warning Ss that they are going to be exposed to a communication with which they disagree will increase their resistance to influence; (b) distracting Ss from the content of such a communication will decrease resistance to influence. The results support the 1st hypothesis, but provide only minimal support for the 2nd. In addition the study provides data on the mechanisms by which forewarning increases resistance, and suggests that an active rehearsal of supporting arguments is the major process by which resistance is increased.