Analyses (070)

Social interaction and influence have been the subject of considerable research. Examining in great detail the factors involved in social influence has enabled social psychologists to understand better the effects of persuasion, propaganda, coercion, indoctrination, and brainwashing. Out of this research has come a widespread acceptance of the pervasiveness of the persuasioh process. Source and recipient, it has been shown, are actively and jointly involved in constructing a common outcome, which can take the form of changes in belief, attitude, behavior, or some combination of these. The causal link between attitude and behavior, the effects of persuasion, and the planning of intervention studies designed to promote the development of desirable attitudes and behaviors are discussed in this paper. The theory of reasoned action (TRA) is used to present a conceptual framewo:k for linkirg behavior to specific antecedent variables such as personal beliefs, attitudes, social support, and irtentions. Sections include: (1) "Social Psychologica