Robert was a successful dentist for over a decade before dec…

Robert was a successful dentist for over a decade before deciding that he would be happier as a salesman. He has started a position at a new company that sells high-tech alarm clocks and toothbrushes. Of these two products, Robert is likely to be more successful selling __________, because he is likely to be a(n) __________ when delivering persuasive appeals for that product.

Petty and colleagues (1981) asked students to read either ei…

Petty and colleagues (1981) asked students to read either eight weak arguments or eight strong arguments in support of implementing a comprehensive exam at their university. Some students were told that the exam would be initiated the following year, and others were told it would be initiated in ten years, well after their graduation. Finally, the researchers varied the expertise of the source of the arguments; that is, participants were told the arguments were generated either by a local high school class or by a prestigious “Commission on Higher Education.” The researchers measured students’ attitudes toward the exam. What was the main result of this study?