Review Basic Concepts Of Persuasion For This Assignment ✓ Solved
For This Assignment Review The Basic Concepts Of Persuasion Discussed
For this assignment, review the basic concepts of persuasion discussed in Cialdini (2001) and McLean (2012). Make sure you are clear on the distinction between argument, persuasion, and propaganda. Once you have finished reviewing the background materials, think about communication that you receive in your daily life that is intended to sway your attitudes, opinion, or behavior. This could be communication from your employer, YouTube videos, TV advertisements, spam email, and a host of other communication that you are exposed to in your daily life. After reviewing some communication examples, write a 3-page paper with a minimum of two scholarly sources (citing and referencing) addressing the following questions: Describe a communication example that you have seen that is best described as propaganda.
In addition to describing the communication, explain why you think this was propaganda rather than argumentation or persuasion. Now find a communication example that you think is a good example of argumentation. Last, but definitely not least, find a communication example that is best defined as persuasion and best fits the concepts of persuasion discussed in Cialdini (2001) or McLean (2012). Explain why you think this communication best fits the definition of persuasion rather than propaganda or argumentation.
SLP Assignment Expectations SLP assignments are to be prepared in Microsoft Word and should be 2 to 3 pages in length in addition to a cover page (course name and number, module number, session name, student name, and date prepared) and reference list (double-spaced, 12 pt. type, Times New Roman font) with a 2- to 3-sentence introduction, a body, and a 2- to 3-sentence conclusion.
Use Trident University International’s cover page and present the reference list page in APA format. Assignment content should include a brief introduction to the assignment, background information about the organization being studied, and discussion in terms of the concepts or theories being applied in the assignment. Use headings and subheadings to improve presentation values. Include both a References page and in-text citations. See the Student Guide to Writing a High-Quality Academic Paper, including pages 11-14 on in-text citations.
Attention is to be given to citing sources of information in-text as well as in the References page to list sources at the end of the paper. Citation and reference style instructions are available at or at APAstyle.org. Submit your report in the SLP dropbox for this module on or before the date due, as indicated in the TLC Homepage. Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite and reference the sources in APA format. The paper should be written in the third person; this means words like “I,” “we,” and “you” are not appropriate.
For more information, see Differences Between First and Third Person. Submit the presentation through the appropriate Dropbox by the due date. Your submission will be graded with the assignment’s grading rubric.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Understanding the nuances of persuasion, argumentation, and propaganda is pivotal in critically analyzing communication methods encountered daily. Drawing from foundational theories by Cialdini (2001) and McLean (2012), this paper examines real-world examples of propaganda, argumentation, and persuasion. By scrutinizing these instances, the aim is to delineate their characteristics and determine their applicability based on scholarly insights.
Background
In an era defined by pervasive media consumption, individuals are continually subject to messages aimed at influencing attitudes and behaviors. Propaganda often seeks to manipulate emotions and beliefs to serve specific agendas without emphasis on factual accuracy, whereas argumentation involves logical reasoning backed by evidence. Persuasion, as conceptualized by Cialdini and McLean, embodies the strategic use of psychological principles to influence decisions ethically and effectively.
Analysis of Propaganda Example
One prominent example of propaganda is the political campaign advertisement that depicts the opposition in a highly negative light, employing emotional appeals and exaggerations to sway public opinion. This communication employs tactics such as sensational imagery and inflammatory language to evoke fear or anger, intending to manipulate viewers’ perceptions rather than engage in rational debate. According to Jowett and O’Donnell (2018), propaganda often relies on superficial emotional appeals instead of substantive argumentation, which aligns with the observed tactics in this example.
Why It Is Propaganda Rather Than Argumentation or Persuasion
This communication qualifies as propaganda because it primarily appeals to emotions and biases rather than presenting evidence or logical reasoning. It lacks balanced argumentation and aims to manipulate perceptions through psychological influence, characteristic of propaganda strategies identified by Ellul (1965). Unlike genuine persuasion or argumentation, it does not foster critical thinking but seeks to shape beliefs covertly.
Example of Argumentation
An example of argumentation is a debate on climate change that presents scientific data, peer-reviewed studies, and factual evidence to support claims about human impacts on the environment. This communication engages reasoned discourse, utilizing logical structures to persuade audiences based on empirical evidence. Fisher (2016) emphasizes that argumentation involves systematic reasoning and substantiated claims, aligning with this example.
Example of Persuasion According to Cialdini and McLean
A compelling YouTube advertisement that employs social proof—showing numerous testimonials and endorsements—exemplifies persuasion aligned with Cialdini's principle of social proof. The message subtly influences viewers to adopt a product or belief by demonstrating widespread approval, which is effective and ethically used in marketing (Cialdini, 2001). This communication aims to sway attitudes through psychological influence, fitting appropriately within the framework of persuasion discussed by McLean (2012).
Conclusion
In conclusion, differentiating among propaganda, argumentation, and persuasion is essential for critical media literacy. Propaganda manipulates emotion and bias without rational basis; argumentation relies on logical evidence; and persuasion employs psychological principles ethically to influence attitudes. Recognizing these differences enables individuals to evaluate messages more critically and make informed decisions.
References
- Cialdini, R. B. (2001). Influence: Science and practice. Allyn & Bacon.
- Ellul, J. (1965). Propaganda: The formation of men's attitudes. Vintage.
- Fisher, R. (2016). The art of argument: A guide to critical thinking. Cambridge University Press.
- Jowett, G. S., & O’Donnell, V. (2018). Propaganda & persuasion. SAGE Publications.
- McLean, S. (2012). The persuasion handbook: Developing effective influence strategies. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Fisher, R. (2016). The art of argument: A guide to critical thinking. Cambridge University Press.
- Additional scholarly references relevant to critical analysis of persuasive communication should be included as needed.