Central Attitudes in Political Belief Systems are More Resistant to Change than Peripheral Attitudes, But Not Necessarily Less Amenable to Targeted Persuasive Attempts

• In Event: Values and Belief Systems

Brief Overview

We test a core tenet of belief system theory—that central attitudes are more stable—using simulations, panel, and experimental data. We find that central attitudes are more stable but not less persuadable, suggesting the need for theory revision.

Authors

• Abigail Cassario, Michigan State University

• Shree Vallabha, FLAME University

• Mark Brandt, Michigan State University