What path to attitude change involves individuals focusing on argument content and responding with favorable thoughts?

The central route to persuasion is characterized by individuals actively engaging with the content of the arguments presented to them. This processing occurs when people are motivated and able to think critically about the message. When individuals use the central route, they focus on the strength and quality of the arguments, leading to a greater likelihood of forming a lasting attitude change based on thoughtful consideration and reflection.

This path to attitude change is typically more effective when the audience has a high level of interest in the topic and can comprehend the information being presented, resulting in responses that consist of favorable or unfavorable thoughts about the argument being communicated. Because of this detailed processing, the changes in attitude are often more persistent compared to those that occur through less analytical means.

The other options describe different mechanisms of attitude formation and change, but they do not involve the same depth of cognitive engagement with argument content as the central route does.