Seeking and avoiding belief-discrepant information as a function of its perceived refutability.

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Abstract
Rate of momentary button-pressing to eliminate static which partially masked tape-recorded messages was employed as a dependent variable. After obtaining button-pressing rates on a neutral baseline message, 4 groups of a total of 60 undergraduates were exposed to either a supportive or a nonsupportive message on the legalization of marihuana. For 30 Ss, the message was easy to refute, and for 30 it was difficult to refute. Results indicate that Ss were behaviorally receptive to either the supportive, difficult-to-refute message or the nonsupportive, easy-to-refute message but were significantly less receptive to either the supportive, easy-to-refute message or the nonsupportive, difficult-to-refute message. This is interpreted as supporting A. Lowin's (see record 1967-08859-001) approach-avoidance model of selective exposure to information. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

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