Political scientist John Zaller showed that opinion changes generated by an event or some other piece of new information are more likely when

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Zaller's research suggests that opinion changes are more likely when individuals do not have preexisting principles with which to interpret new information. When individuals have a set of principles, they tend to filter new information through these principles and may reject information that does not fit with their existing beliefs. This is known as the "confirmation bias." Therefore, individuals without preexisting principles are more open to considering new information and may be more likely to change their opinions as a result.

Political Scientist John Zaller Showed That Opinion Changes Generated by an Event