Studies in Forced Compliance: X. Attitude Change and Commitment to Maintain Publicly a Counterattitudinal Position

Abstract

Three variables thought to affect attitude change produced by forced compliance were varied: public-private, true-persuasive and high-low financial inducement. Public Ss signed a statement in which they promised to maintain their counterattitudinal position outside the laboratory. These public Ss had a tendency ( p < .10) to show more attitude change than private Ss. Significantly more Ss refused to comply in the low inducement, public conditions than in the other conditions combined. Analysis of performance measures indicated generally negative results.