1. Of the five factors mentioned in the Pratkanis report, which one do you think is the strongest explanation for why people fall "victim" to so-called subliminal influence. Explain why.
I believe the strongest explanation would be belief of a powerful unconscious. When at a loss for an explanation of ones actions, It is easiest to claim that the motives came from an unconscious force. This explanation connects all the dots without having to find real evidence- which makes it convincing.
2. Which factor do you think is the weakest of Pratkanis' arguments? Explain why.
I find the weakest factor to be that subliminal persuasion is an irrational force uncontrollable by the recipient. This idea just illustrates ones lack of self control. The idea of an "uncontrollable force" in this instance is merely an excuse for one's gluttony.
3. Do you believe subliminal advertising exists? Have Pratkanis influenced your opinion. Why or why not?
I believe subliminal advertising exists- but not to a full extent. Pratikanis brought my attention to the tactics used but he did not change my opinion of them. I believe a person with less knowledge of a specific subject might be more susceptible to subliminal influence than another with a better understanding of the given subject. it has the power to influence perceptions but can not completely change them/control them.
You pose an interesting point about subliminal persuasion's effects on a person well informed on a subject compared to unaware. This correlate with people's political views in the sense that a strong Republican will not surrender to Democrat viewpoints based on a commercial done by Obama.
ReplyDeleteJulia,
ReplyDeleteI agree your opinion about Prantkanis and the influence of education. Depending on how educated an individual stands, subliminal persuasion will at least cause the individual to reflect on his or her stance of said advertisement.
Is it possible that people do things for no reason. Maybe people forget their reasons.
ReplyDeleteJulia,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Pratkanis's factors were very interesting. His factors on subliminal persuasion left much to be questioned. Also, I liked how you said that subliminal influences can only alter a decision. They cannot completely control decisions.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteYour point about how lack of self control is more discipline based pleased my inner behaviorist. I too believe that knowledge and education tie directly to the influence of subliminal messaging.
JULIA,
ReplyDeleteI too agree that people who lack a specific degree of education fall into the habit of believing superstitions and pseudo-sciences! It like the belief that illness is karma, or sin, related...or that women need to be locked up whist in the midst of a certain time ...of a particular month...yeah