Political Persuasion Study Cards

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Political Persuasion

The process of influencing and convincing individuals or groups to adopt a particular political belief, opinion, or action.

Persuasive Techniques

Methods used to influence others' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, such as emotional appeals, logical reasoning, and credibility.

Elaboration Likelihood Model

A theory that explains how individuals process persuasive messages, either through a central route (careful evaluation) or a peripheral route (superficial cues).

Social Proof

A persuasive technique that relies on the idea that people tend to follow the actions or beliefs of others, especially when they are uncertain or in ambiguous situations.

Fear Appeals

A persuasive technique that aims to evoke fear in order to motivate individuals to take a desired action or adopt a particular belief.

Bandwagon Effect

The tendency for individuals to adopt certain beliefs or behaviors because they perceive it to be popular or widely accepted by others.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency for individuals to seek out and interpret information in a way that confirms their preexisting beliefs or biases.

Transfer

A persuasive technique that involves associating a product, idea, or person with positive or negative emotions, symbols, or values to influence attitudes or behaviors.

Plain Folks

A persuasive technique that portrays a person or candidate as being ordinary, relatable, and in touch with the concerns of everyday people.

Loaded Language

The use of emotionally charged words or phrases to evoke strong reactions and shape perceptions.

Selective Exposure

The tendency for individuals to seek out and pay attention to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, while avoiding or dismissing contradictory information.

Two-Step Flow of Communication

A theory that suggests that information and opinions flow from mass media to opinion leaders, who then influence others through interpersonal communication.

Negative Campaigning

A campaign strategy that focuses on attacking opponents and highlighting their weaknesses or flaws, rather than promoting one's own qualities or policies.

Spin

The deliberate manipulation of information or events by political actors to shape public perception and influence media coverage.

Framing

The way in which information is presented or framed can influence how individuals perceive and interpret political issues or events.

Astroturfing

A deceptive practice where individuals or organizations create the illusion of grassroots support or opposition to a particular cause or issue.

Ethical Considerations

The moral and ethical implications of using persuasive techniques in political communication, including issues of honesty, transparency, and respect for individuals' autonomy.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of the general public on political issues, policies, and leaders.

Opinion Leaders

Individuals who are knowledgeable, influential, and trusted by others, and who can shape public opinion through their communication and actions.

Selective Perception

The tendency for individuals to interpret and remember information in a way that is consistent with their preexisting beliefs or attitudes.

Political Advertising

The use of paid media to promote political candidates, parties, or issues, often employing persuasive techniques to influence voters' opinions and behaviors.

Campaign Slogans

Short and memorable phrases used in political campaigns to convey key messages, evoke emotions, and create a sense of identity or unity among supporters.

Debate Techniques

Strategies and tactics used by candidates during political debates to persuade viewers, including logical arguments, emotional appeals, and effective rebuttals.

Political Polling

The collection and analysis of data on public opinion through surveys or questionnaires, often used to gauge support for candidates, policies, or issues.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence government policies and decisions on behalf of specific interests or causes, often using persuasive techniques to mobilize supporters and shape public opinion.

Lobbying

The practice of attempting to influence government officials or legislators on specific issues or policies, often through direct communication, campaign contributions, or other persuasive tactics.

Political Satire

The use of humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or mock political figures, institutions, or policies, often with the aim of influencing public opinion or promoting social change.

Political Cartoons

Visual representations that use humor, satire, or caricature to convey political messages or commentary, often highlighting the absurdities or contradictions of political situations.

Campaign Finance

The funding of political campaigns, including the sources of money, regulations, and the influence of money on political persuasion and decision-making.

Voter Mobilization

Efforts to encourage eligible voters to participate in elections, often through persuasive techniques such as door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, or targeted advertising.

Political Endorsements

Public declarations of support for a political candidate or party by individuals or organizations, often used to influence public opinion and sway undecided voters.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that raise and spend money to support or oppose political candidates, parties, or issues, often using persuasive techniques to influence voters.

Media Bias

The perceived favoritism or prejudice of media outlets or journalists in their coverage of political events, issues, or candidates, which can influence public opinion.

Fake News

False or misleading information presented as news, often spread through social media or other online platforms, with the aim of influencing public opinion or promoting a particular agenda.

Political Memes

Humorous or satirical images, videos, or text that spread rapidly through social media, often conveying political messages or commentary in a concise and shareable format.

Political Rallies

Large public gatherings organized by political candidates or parties to mobilize supporters, convey key messages, and generate enthusiasm for a campaign or cause.

Political Debates

Structured discussions or forums where candidates or representatives from different political parties present their views, challenge opponents, and engage in persuasive arguments.

Political Surveys

Research methods used to collect data on public opinion, attitudes, or behaviors, often through questionnaires or interviews, to inform political strategies and persuasive messaging.

Political Campaign Strategies

Comprehensive plans and tactics employed by political candidates or parties to win elections, including persuasive messaging, voter targeting, fundraising, and grassroots organizing.

Political Propaganda

Information, ideas, or rumors spread deliberately to shape public opinion, often through biased or misleading communication, with the aim of promoting a particular political agenda or ideology.

Political Spin

The deliberate manipulation of information or events by political actors to shape public perception and influence media coverage.