The instrumental role of product information: a study of warning labels for non-prescription drugs.
The study extends work in informative labeling, fear appeals, and negative information effects. Respondents were given two labels from two packages, one of which contained the experimental treatment. Warning strength was manipulated at three levels: weak, medium, and strong. The data show that, unlike labels on prescription medications, non-prescription warning labels tend to discourage use of the product. Results have implications for information theorists, marketers, and public policy makers.
Discenza
R
R
College of Business and Administration, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs 80933.
Ferguson
J M
JM
D000367:Age Factors; D003710:Demography; D004348:Drug Labeling / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012107:Research Design; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States