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3: A Compendium of Persuasion Theories

  • Page ID
    199293
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    • 3.1: Beliefs, Attitudes and Behaviors
      This page discusses the essence of persuasion as a nuanced process that goes beyond manipulation, highlighting the importance of understanding human thought and respecting free will. It differentiates between core beliefs and dispositional beliefs, notes that attitudes reveal predispositions, and emphasizes observable behaviors as indicators of action. Effective persuasion strategies are rooted in grasping the dynamics among these components.
    • 3.2: Strategy vs. Theory
      This page discusses the distinction between business strategy, which involves actionable plans for success, and broader theories that explain phenomena. Kenneth R. Miller highlights the role of theories in unifying facts and making predictions, suggesting that a deep understanding of persuasive theories is crucial for developing effective strategies. This underscores the need to comprehend underlying processes before taking action.
    • 3.3: Theories of Persuasion
      This page outlines various persuasion theories, including Balance Theory, Yale Attitude Change Approach, Cognitive Dissonance Theory, and Inoculation Theory, which explore how attitudes are shaped. It also discusses Social Judgment Theory, Psychological Reactance Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behavior, emphasizing how personal beliefs and social pressures influence behavior.
    • 3.4: Questions for Consideration and Works Cited
      This page explores persuasion within today's media environment, examining biases in news reporting and the effectiveness of narrative versus argument. It discusses how media saturation affects persuasion and invites opinions on persuasive theories influencing beliefs and behaviors, referencing key academic theories like cognitive dissonance and the Elaboration Likelihood Model.