Abstract

We explored the relationship between belief change and recollection of previous beliefs. Subjects reported beliefs about TV violence. Later, subjects read a one-sided, belief inconsistent text. We manipulated whether subjects reported beliefs after reading first, or recollected previous beliefs first. A third group was told their previous beliefs before reporting current beliefs. Recollections were not improved when subjects recollected beliefs first. When told previous beliefs, belief change was reduced, suggesting a desire to appear consistent.