Deck 11: Fundamentals of the Message

Question 1

In which of the following scenarios would a narrative likely be more effective than evidence as part of a persuasive message?

A) When the communicator is trying to shake up people who strongly disagree with the message
B) When there is a need to promote greater cognitive elaboration
C) When the audience is high in involvement and motivated to process information centrally
D) All of the above

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Communication accommodation theory is best described by which of the following statements?

A) Individuals will adapt their communication behaviors to be more similar to those with which they are communicating
B) Individuals will adjust their communication behaviors to diverge from others in order to highlight what makes them unique and charismatic
C) Individuals will adapt their communication behaviors based upon the context and whom they are speaking with.
D) Audiences will accommodate characteristics of a persuader's communication behaviors by comparing them to their own.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Research revealed a double standard in the effectiveness of powerful (assertive) and powerless (tentative) speech. Which of the following statements most accurately describes this double standard?

A) When women are persuading other women, assertive speech is most effective, but when women persuade men, tentative language was found to be more influential.
B) When men are persuading other men, assertive speech is most effective, but when men persuade women, tentative language was found to be more influential.
C) When men are persuading women, assertive speech is most effective, but when men persuade other men, tentative language was found to be more influential.
D) When women are persuading men, assertive speech is most effective, but when women persuade other women, tentative language was found to be more influential

Answer 3

A

Question 4

A one-sided message presents one side an issue, while a two-sided message presents both sides. When is using a one-sided message more persuasive than using a two-sided message?

A) When the message is directed at audiences who strongly disagree with communicator's position
B) When the message is directed at audiences who strongly agree with the communicator's position
C) When the communicator needs to build credibility with the audience
D) Never; two-sided messages are always more persuasive

Question 5

Write an essay in which you analyze the framing of a political issue in which different parties or groups have attempted to utilize different frames to shape the conversation around the issue. Your essay should answer three key questions: (i) What frames are in play? (ii) What strategy underlies these frames for each side in the political debate? (iii) What effects, if any, have these frames played in public discourse around the issue in question?

Question 6

Viewers of narratives in entertainment media are often psychologically transported or immersed in a story and may be more open to question their ideas than when they are focusing on an ordinary persuasive message. Have you ever been transported into a narrative world? If so, how did that experience affect you? Do you believe narratives are more effective than evidence? Why or why not?

Question 7

Framing is important in persuasive communication about politics and social issues. Is it ethical for these persuaders to use framing to their advantage? Why or why not?

Question 8

Do you tend to use powerful or powerless speech? How has this language benefited or hindered you in the past? Consider social situations, classroom settings, and professional opportunities.