The effects of emotional and rational persuasion on attitudes

File, 2013-064-001-181

Inquire Download as PDF
Part of
Algoma University Archives > Algoma University Theses collection > Psychology series > The effects of emotional and rational persuasion on attitudes
Creator
Pat D Mackan
Date
1995
Physical Description
1.03 MB of textual records (PDF)
General Material Designation
Electronic record, Textual record
Language(s)
English
Bibliographic Information
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.:, OSTMA-PSYC-Mackan-Pat-D-19950402
Descriptive Notes
Audience: Undergraduate. -- Dissertation: Thesis (B. A.). -- Algoma University, 1995. -- Submitted in partial fulfillment of course requirements for PSYC 4105. -- Includes figures and tables. -- Contents: Literature review / Thesis.
The present study investigated the effects of persuasive arguments on attitudes towards abortion. Forty male and female participants completed measures of thier emotions and attitudes towarads abortion and tolerance of abortion. Participants then read one of two communications which were intended to increase the salience of the emotional or rational component of an attitude. Afterwards, participants read an appeal which emphasized the emotional or rational aspects related to abortion. Subsequently, all participants completed a post-test which included the same measures as in the pre-test. It was hypothesized that participants for whom the emotional component was salient, would find emotional appeals to be more persuasive, whereas participants for whom the rational component was salient, would find rational appeals to be more persuasive.