Ruiter: Fear Arousal

Question 1

Method?

Answer 1

Lab experiment using independent measures

Question 2

PPs?

Answer 2

88 female first year undergraduates in Netherlands, avg age 20
Random allocation to 2x2 conditions

Question 3

Procedure?

Answer 3

1. questionnaire assessing pre-experimental attitude to breast self-examination
2. read a message about threat of breast cancer (strong or mild) then self report on fear arousal
3. read persuasive message (weak or strong) then self report

Question 4

Examples of strong/weak arguments?

Answer 4

Weak= "perform is as pleasurable"
Strong= "detect cancer at an earlier treatable stage"

Question 5

Results?

Answer 5

• effect of manipulated fear not significant
• main effect from strong argument
• PPs who expressed low fear did not differ in attitude

Question 6

Conclusions?

Answer 6

• strong arguments more effective

* however accept may only apply to breast self-examination

Question 7

Pros and cons?

Answer 7

PROS:
•standardised= repeatable
•independent measures= no order eff
•high ethics as volunteer sample

CONS:
•ethnocentric as all Netherlands
•gynocentric
•all students= demand characteristics?

Question 8

Aim?

Answer 8

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