1. Of the five factors mentioned in the Pratkanis report, which do you think is the strongest explanation for why people fall "victim" to the so-called subliminal influence.
In past observations, I found people find themselves attracted to relatable topics. From a character with a relatable back story, or a news story that arouses a past memory, people will recall images I find relating to present day issues the strongest explanation for why people fall "victim" to the so-called subliminal influence.
For example, citizens vote for presidential candidates they can relate to. Republicans vote for the more conservative candidate, while left leaning people will vote for the Democratic candidate. The candidates target the liberal and independent populous. By proposing policies relatable to the targeted audience, the candidates receive or lose votes.
In today's society, as people search for their own identities in a world surrounded by media, people are naturally attracted to topics they can relate to.
Through bottom up processing, the use of perception provides an advantage to advertisers.
2. Which factor do you think is the weakest of Prantkanis's arguments? Explain. why.
I think the Witch Test is the weakest of Prantkanis's arguments. Though the pricier an advertisement, the greater the output, his other arguments hold a greater merit. From a viewer's standpoint, people will question the validity of statements presented in an advertisement. The people with the common sense and educational background to differ wants from needs will not fall victim to the subliminal influence.
3. Do you believe subliminal advertising exists? Has Pratkanis influenced your opinion? Who or why not?
I believe subliminal advertising exists in select audiences. The use of subliminal advertising, to an uneducated crowd, has a greater effect than towards a cross of higher class. Through education, the subliminal influence in today's media can be avoided. Although Pratkanis did not influence my opinion, he research provided an interesting perception on the science behind advertisements. Though I do not plan on advertising, I can pick out the various techniques used to attract consumers.
You raise a good point. Subliminal advertising may exist, but it doesn't mean it wirk well if at all. I agree that the witch test factor gives little support
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the witch test does little to affect people, however, I do feel that subliminal persuasion is inevitable. Media today overpowers a great deal of the world today with so many technological advances and whether people admit it or not, they are swayed to think and act a certain way by the things viewed in the media.
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteI concur that the witch test contributes little to advertising, however, I think subliminal persuasion affects all social classes. For example, 8/10 kids at Chagrin have iPhones. We are arguably upper-class, and Apple markets very well to our social level.
I agree that the witch test theory is the weakest, it doesn't seem to be very rooted in factual/concrete evidence. - what if our televisions were mass devices of brainwash/ hypnotism, making us robots, meat puppets to our materialistic society- buy pills, buy food, buy youth, buy sex. I just think television is a little vile in nature.
ReplyDelete