An Examination of Comparative and Noncomparative Television Commercials: The Effects of Claim Variation and Repetition on Cognitive Response and Message Acceptance

Abstract

A cognitive response approach is used to examine the effects of one- and two-sided comparative and noncomparative commercials seen over three levels of repetition. Results indicate qualitative differences in the mediating roles of cognitive responses for comparative and noncomparative messages. However, no differences in the relative effectiveness of comparative and noncomparative messages are found for attitude and purchase intention measures. Also, message sidedness does not have a moderating impact on reactions to the two types of messages, and reactions to comparative messages are not influenced by prior preferences for the comparison brand.