Ruiter

Question 0

Method

Answer 0

Laboratory experiment - independent measures design

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To examine the effect of fear arousal on attitude towards participation towards participating in early detection activities (breast self-examination for cancer)

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

Pp’s completed questionnaire to assess pre-experimental attitude to breast self-examination
Had to evaluate effectiveness of several educational messages about breast cancer. 1st read threat of breast cancer. Then self report on fear arousal. Next pp’s read persuasive message performing monthly breast examination checks , supported by weak or strong argument. Questionnaire to assess post experimental attitude towards breast self examination.
Fear manipulation operationalised through different levels of implied severity of breast cancer and susceptibility to the participant. Argument strength was operationalised through weak arguments
Random allocation to 2x2 condition. Low vs mild fear along side weak vs strong argument.

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

The main effect of manipulated fear was not significant. The main effect was from argument strength, suggesting that argument based messages are more effective than fear.
Participants who expressed Low fear did not differ

Question 4

Conclusions

Answer 4

Evoked fear motivates people into more argument based processing. However , they accept the findings may only be applicable to breast self-examination and not all health detection behaviours

Question 5

Participants

Answer 5

88 females , undergraduates Netherlands