Determining the persuasiveness of message sidedness: A prudent note about utilizing research summaries

This essay responds to the analysis by O'Keefe and analyzes the impact of his suggestions. Most of what O'Keefe suggests contains merit, however a 100% acceptance of the suggestions still generates a conclusion that two‐sided refutational messages constitute the most persuasive form of message. Caution remains warranted when accepting scientific findings but prudence suggests that when the available research points to a finding and independent replications agree with that conclusion, then the cautious person should accept that point until provided substantial evidence to the contrary.