Persuasion as a function of varying amounts of distraction

Abstract

Ss in four conditions heard the same communication. No slides were shown in a nondistraction condition; irrelevant slides shown in one condition were intended to be moderately distracting, and those in the others to be strongly distracting. Significantly more persuasion occurred in the moderate distraction condition than in the nondistraction condition and in one strong distraction condition. Suspicion of persuasive intent was greater for nondistracted Ss. © 1966, Psychonomic Press. All rights reserved.