This Is Not a Test

Abstract

When it comes to the public dissemination of tornado warnings, past research would suggest that the amount of fearful language used by meteorologists and the time spent presenting life-saving information would have an impact on the public’s willingness to heed such warnings. This research experiment uses the extended parallel process model to explore the role of fear and group influence in effective tornado warning message persuasion. Participants who thought they were giving their feedback regarding a live television program were exposed to a fake tornado warning while in a group setting. A local television meteorologist recorded the warning to help ensure the participants thought they were viewing live television. Results indicated that a fear-inducing tornado warning, even when coupled with life-saving information, could not overcome the influence of group inhibition.