Two Stanford researchers set out to discover which is more persuasive: “I think” or “I feel.” For example, would it have a bigger impact on you if I were to say, “I think this is what you should do?” or “I feel this is what you should do?”
They conducted the study by writing two almost identical pieces on the merits of blood donation. One started off with, “My feelings about blood donation: I feel that donating blood is one of the most important contributions I can make to society…” etc. It used the word “feel” or “feelings” several times. The other message was identical, except the words “my thoughts” and “I think” were substituted for the words “my feelings” and “I feel.”
So which message was more persuasive? [Read more…]