The exam will be composed of questions and topics taken from the material described below.  Nothing will appear on the test that is not mentioned on the study guide.

 

 1.  If you are given a "persuasion moment," be able to identify which persuasion theory best accounts for what happened or what might work.  AND    Explain why you selected the theory you did (i.e. mention elements of the theory that fit the persuasion moment).

 

2.  If you are given a persuasion theory, be able to offer a "persuasion tip" based on that theory.  Explain how the tip fits the theory.

The theories used on the test will be: COGNITIVE-RATIONAL THEORIES -- Rational model and ELM; LEARNING THEORIES -- Hovland, McGuire and Identity-emotive; CONSISTENCY THEORIES -- Balance theory (Heider), Congruity, Cognitive dissonance (all 4 cases), PERCEPTUAL THEORIES -- Social Judgment theory, Attribution theory, and the Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbein-Ajzen).

3.  Discuss the concept, "Credibility is in the eye of the beholder."  List and explain at least five factors that research and theory shows can enhance credibility and are consistent with the "eye of the beholder" idea.

 

4.  Define the following terms:

5. Explain the ELM theory of attitude change.  Describe the "elaboration likelihood" concept and both routes, including how they differ. (See AP 3)  Give examples of contemporary persuasion efforts (e.g. advertising messages) which illustrate each route and explain how they illustrate ELM.

 

6.  Explain (thoroughly) balance theory.  Include in your answer a discussion of the ways imbalance can be overcome.

 

7. Explain (thoroughly) Bitzer's definition and his components of the "rhetorical situation" using an extended example (maybe one I give you, or maybe I’ll ask you to construct an example of your own).

 

8.  Explain how Fishbein-Ajzen's theory accounts for the lack of a reliable link between attitudes and behaviors.

 

9.  Offer your own definition of persuasion and explain how your definition regards the issues of choice, intent, mental change, and use of messages.symbols.

 

10. Imagine yourself, an MC college student, leading an effort to gain support from other MC students to register and vote for a student to serve on the Monmouth City Council.  You will likely be giving speeches to student groups and recruiting supporters one-on-one.  Describe how you would attempt to enhance your credibility (which is one of the four stratagems of persuasion mentioned in AP 5) with your fellow students.

 

11.  Imagine yourself, an MC college student, leading an effort to gain support from other MC students to register and vote for a student to serve on the Monmouth City Council.  You will likely be giving speeches to student groups and recruiting supporters one-on-one.  Describe how you would use each of the OTHER THREE stratagems (i.e. not credibility) of persuasion in this rhetorical situation.  Mention at least one pre-persuasion technique you would use.

[  The four stratagems of persuasion mentioned above in 9. and 10. are discussed in AP ch. 5.  they are  Pre-persuasion, Credible Sources, Messages channeling receivers thoughts, and use of Emotions. ]