Final answer:
The advertisement's claim of '9/10 dentists recommend our product' is a use of the rhetorical strategy of appeal to authority, aiming to persuade by leveraging dentist consensus without providing solid evidence of effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advertisement claiming that "9/10 dentists recommend our product" utilizes a common rhetorical strategy known as an appeal to authority. This method leverages the credibility and expert opinion of professionals to convince an audience of the product’s effectiveness. The strategy aims to persuade potential consumers by suggesting that if most dentists approve of the toothpaste, it must be a superior choice. It plays on the bandwagon effect, where people are likely to do something primarily because others are doing it, especially if those others are experts.
Furthermore, the phrase intimates a consensus among dentists, which could dissuade consumers from doing their own research or considering other options since the significant majority appears to agree. It is vital to discern whether the claim can be substantiated by facts or if it merely relies on the authority of dentists. The ad doesn't offer specific evidence about the product’s performance, such as clinical trials or research studies, which would be more convincing proof of its effectiveness.
Recognizing such rhetorical strategies helps consumers evaluate advertisements critically and make informed decisions rather than being swayed by emotional appeals or the perceived popularity of a product.