persuasion | SPSP

Don’t Just Debunk, Prebunk: Inoculate Yourself against Digital Misinformation

Businesswoman wearing raincoat opening an umbrella to protect herself from hoax and fake news

Resisting the influence of misinformation may require a mental vaccination.

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Sometimes We Should Ignore Advice: Even People Who Give Us Advice Think So

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Surprisingly, people who give you advice don’t always want you to do exactly as they say.

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People can be convinced to practice social distancing if they believe it will protect others

Want to get someone to wear a mask or practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic? Argue that face coverings and keeping six-feet apart will protect others, says new research from Ball State University.

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Change Your Voice to Change Others’ Minds

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It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Knowing this can make you more persuasive.

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The Persuasive Power of “You”

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Something as seemingly minor as a pronoun can affect people’s judgments of the right way to act.

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Psychology News Roundup: ICYMI November 15, 2019

From romance to workplaces to hypocrisy, see what you may have missed in the world of personality and social psychology on this week's ICYMI roundup

Recently in the news, written a post, or have selections you'd like us to consider? Email us, use the hashtag #SPSPblog, or tweet us directly @spspnews.

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Psychology News Roundup: ICYMI September 20, 2019

We're back, and publishing every other week here on Character and Context. This week's digital edition is extra full, since it's capturing two editions in one. See what you may have missed in the world of personality and social psychology in this week's ICYMI roundup.

Recently in the news, written a post, or have selections you'd like us to consider? Email us, use the hashtag #SPSPblog, or tweet us directly @spspnews.

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To Change Moral Opinions, Use Moral Arguments

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Opinions that are based on moral principles can be very difficult to change, unless persuasive messages make a moral argument.

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Facts and Stories: Great Stories Undermine Strong Facts

Washington, DC - Some research shows facts are better received when presented on their own. Other studies show facts are more accepted when interwoven with stories; stories can help bridge emotional connections. If someone is trying to persuade or influence others, should they use a story or stick to the facts? According to research from social psychologists at Northwestern University, stories can increase the persuasiveness of weak facts, but actually decrease the persuasiveness of strong facts.

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Perceived Scientific Consensus as a Gateway to Bridging the Climate Change Divide

Helicopter view of North Miami Beach condominiums along the ocean

In the United States, climate change is a highly polarizing topic. How can we reduce this political polarization? In our research on attitudes about climate change, we seem to have discovered an answer. When people are reminded that almost all climate scientists believe in climate change, they become much less skeptical about it.

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