Coffee Drinking: A Convincing Argument
Researchers at the University of Queensland have released results of a study that showed that drinking coffee can make us more open to the ideas of others and more easily persuaded to see another’s point of view.
But apparently this only applies if a convincing argument is made to support the ideas being put forth. This is thought to be related to the ability of caffeine to enhance cognitive skills and attention.
Researchers compared the results of those consuming a caffeine drink to those consuming a placebo and discovered that the individuals who consumed caffeine were much more likely to change their point of view when presented with a logical argument, however the individuals who were identified as being more distracted were less likely to change their point of view.
The authors of the study stated that an improved cognitive function rather than simply the enhancement of mood is the basis behind why those who consumed caffeine were able to be more easily persuaded because this only occurred when the volunteers were able to concentrate fully and absorb the convincing argument.
You may want to rethink that cup of coffee (or three) at your next business meeting!
Great Tasting Coffee Substitutes
Journal reference: European Journal of Social Psychology(DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.347)
