On the campus of the University of Minnesota, there are signs near large expanses of grass that read, "Lie on me, play on me, but please don't walk on me." These signs are more likely to protect the grass than signs that read, "Stay off the grass!" because the Minnesota signs __________.
A) are likely to generate less psychological reactance
B) contain a longer persuasive message
C) contain an emotional appeal rather than a logical appeal
D) contain a logical appeal rather than an emotional appeal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The University of Minnesota signs are more likely to protect the grass because they use a gentle and inviting approach, rather than a prohibitive and authoritarian one. By encouraging people to enjoy the grass in certain ways ("Lie on me, play on me"), the signs are more likely to be perceived as reasonable and less likely to trigger a defensive reaction (psychological reactance) that could lead people to ignore the rules altogether. The signs still communicate a clear message ("please don't walk on me"), but they do so in a way that promotes positive behavior rather than simply forbidding negative behavior.

On the Campus of the University of Minnesota, There Are