After reviewing the presentation, I feel that the first factor, "pop" psychology, is the most strong explanation for subliminal persuasion. This deals largely with companies appealing the needs of their consumer. By portraying the importance of the product in the media, people are likely to rationalize that they need it because the media said so. Also, after witnessing a commercial of something, a person subconsciously thinks about the product, further leading to their indulgence. Furthermore, Pratkanis acknowledges that companies utilize this to reach their customers unconsciously to sell their products, a process we see each and everyday, hence furthering the strength and prevalence of this factor.
As for the weakest form of subliminal persuasion, I feel that the witch test poorly accentuates the concept. Opposed to the other factors of Pratkanis' experiment, this one highlights a test that is no longer used to day, thus discrediting the influence of the test. Moreover, people find other ways today to prove themselves innocent, rather than just abandoning their company. In other words, people today contemplate multiple pros and cons to decisions, such as consumption of certain goods or their involvement with a company. They do not make rash decisions and therefore, the witch test would not be as persuasive as some of the other subliminal perception factors.
In my opinion, subliminal perception does exist. Everyone today, whether they admit it or not, have been subliminally persuaded by particular advertisements or companies. We all indulge in consumer products at one point or another and that comes with our subconscious mentality that we need things, when in reality, we do not. While people can exercise decision making to an extent, subliminal persuasion overrules thought even when we do not notice it.
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI also found that the 'pop' factor contributes the most to subliminal persuasion. I particularly like your mention of the omnipresent media. People listen to what they hear and see from television ads, newspapers, and even the radio. These advertisements convince people that they need whatever is being offered.
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI disagree and believe subliminal persuasion does exist. In the old days when people could watch movies on a projector screen from their car, single, scattered frames of popcorn and soda would send customers to the cinema concession stands. Physically, they did not see the inserted pictures. Mentally, the brain said "I'm thirsty" or "I'm hungry".
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the "pop" factor contributes significantly with subliminal influences. People DO seem to agree with whatever the media tells them to agree with, and I think that that is wrong. Although companies want to make a profit, they should focus more on imporving the quality of a product and less on making people think they need it.
Skiljan you are wrong. I always take what the media says as a lie until proven true. I do this because I have been lied about on the news. I feel that subliminal messaging occurs when people have their guard down like when watching comedies not the news.
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