The cognitive context of argument

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Abstract
This study provides a method for assessing the impact of cognitive context on belief systems, and shows how context influences the likelihood of belief change. Persuaded subjects did not seem to have tight contexts surrounding the belief at issue, while resistant subjects showed strong contextual force, even prior to the message. Related predictions regarding salience of topic were not supported. The model of argument used here explained substantial portions of the variance in belief in an argument's claim.