An experimental examination of strategies for resisting persuasion

The present research took an experimental approach to examining five strategies that may be effective in conferring resistance to persuasion (i.e., counterarguing, attitude bolstering, source derogation, negative affect, & assertions of confidence). Participants listened to a persuasive message then copied statements consistent with one of the resistance strategies under the ruse of providing handwriting samples for a lie-detection experiment. Compared to those who copied neutral statements, those who copied attitude bolstering statements, assertions of confidence, & negative affect statements were more resistant to change. Surprisingly, copying counterarguments & source derogations did not confer resistance. The results from a speech-only control group that was allowed to respond (i.e., resist) naturally suggested that the counterarguments condition prevented individuals from effectively counterarguing on their own. The implications of these results for each strategy were discussed. Adapted from the source document.