Help in TC question using Piece Method [Question from OG VR book]

Hi,
Can anyone help elaborate the process on the following TC problem using piece method strategy only.
(Kindly do not suggest an alternative method since the question is rather simple and there are various other ways to solve it)

Early studies often conclude that the public was ------- the propagandistic influence of mass communications, but one recent study indicates that, on the contrary, mass communications seldom produce marked changes in social attitudes or actions.