Persuasive Effects of Early and Late Mention of Credible and Noncredible Sources. Three Cross-Cultural Experiments.
Abstract
An attitude change experiment was performed in three different countries: the U.S.A., Sweden, and Japan. A total of 642 Ss participated. The experimental design was a 2 X 2 factorial of the after-only type. A standard persuasive communication advocating an outward extension of international sea boundaries was presented to the Ss and two independent variables were manipulated: the credibility of the source (low versus high) and the sequence in which the credibility information was presented (before the persuasive communication versus after). A 2 X 2 X 3 analysis of variance was performed, with nationality treated as a third independent variable with three levels. A nationality main effect was investigated; the Japanese Ss had the most favorable attitudes, followed (in descending order) by those from Sweden and the U.S.A. The best explanation for the effect appeared to be that it was due to differences in initial attitude. Supplementary analyses on each country individually also yielded several marginal credibility X sequence interactions, in addition to other effects. Indirect evidence suggested that differential counter-arguing was the mediating process underlying the interaction. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0717744
Entities
People
- Charles D. Ward
- Elliott Mcginnies
Organizations
- University of Maryland