Question

Identify a true statement in the context of message appeals.

1) Highly explicit content tends to direct consumers' attention toward the product and increases product recall.
2) Fear appeals appear to be effective when advertisers show how difficult it is to implement the desired response.
3) Sexually appealing ads are usually not persuasive because consumers consider them to be exploitative.
4) Humorous ads appear to be most effective when a consumer's attitudes are initially positive rather than negative.

Answer 1

A true statement regarding message appeals is that humorous ads are more effective when consumers already have a positive attitude due to humor's ability to reinforce and enhance favorable perceptions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When it comes to message appeals in advertising and persuasion, it's important to consider various aspects including the source's credibility, the content's emotional impact, and the timing of the message. A true statement within this context would be that humorous ads appear to be most effective when a consumer's attitudes are initially positive rather than negative. This suggests that when consumers are already leaning towards a favorable view of a product or service, humor can strengthen that attitude and the persuasive impact of the ad.

However, if consumers have a negative initial attitude, humor may not be as effective in shifting those perceptions.Also, the credibility of the source, such as a speaker's expertise or trustworthiness, can significantly enhance the persuasive power of a message. Furthermore, subtle messages that are not overly explicit, the attractiveness of the speaker, and whether the message is presented first or last can affect persuasion, with subtle and carefully timed messages often being more influential.In summary, identification of a true statement in the context of message appeals requires an understanding of these complex dynamics between the message, its delivery, and consumer attitudes.