Abstract
A neutral communication was presented to Ss prior to presentation of either a positive or negative communication. Those exposed to the prior neutral communication had less polarized attitudes than those not exposed to the neutral communication. The findings also indicated that neutral information by itself can produce positive attitude change. The results supported previous work on neutral information and were interpreted in terms of an averaging theory of information integration.
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This study is based on a thesis submitted by the senior author under the direction of the junior author to the University of Massachusetts in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the MS degree. The authors extend their appreciation to Alice Eagly and George Levinger for their many suggestions in preparation of the thesis and of this manuscript.
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Youngblood, J., Himmelfarb, S. The effects of prior neutral messages on resistance to evaluative communications. Psychon Sci 29, 348–350 (1972). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03336597
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03336597