Why Won’t You Listen to Me? Measuring Receptiveness to Opposing Views

Julia Minson, Frances S. Chen and Catherine H. Tinsley
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Julia Minson: Harvard Kennedy School
Frances S. Chen: University of British Columbia
Catherine H. Tinsley: Georgetown University

Working Paper Series from Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government

Abstract: We develop an 18-item self-report measure of receptiveness to opposing views. Studies 1a and 1b present the scale and report measures of internal, convergent, and discriminant validity. The scale consists of four factors, and is distinct from related measures. In Study 2, more receptive individuals (as measured by our scale) were more willing to consume information from US Senators representing the opposing party. In Study 3, more receptive individuals reported less mind wandering when viewing a speech with which they disagreed. In Study 4, more receptive individuals evaluated supporting and opposing policy arguments more impartially. In Study 5, more receptive liberal voters were more likely to watch President Trump’s inaugural address, evaluated the address in a more balanced manner, and were willing to consider a more heterogeneous selection of relevant news coverage. We discuss the scale as a tool to investigate the role of receptiveness for conflict, decision making, and collaboration.

Date: 2018-09
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ecl:harjfk:rwp18-028

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