Final answer:
Attempting to place a sexual cue in an ad to affect a viewer's subconscious mind constitutes subliminal advertising, which plays upon associative learning to make a product seem more desirable. This technique utilizes psychological principles to influence consumer behavior without full conscious awareness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Attempting to place a sexual cue in an ad to affect a viewer's subconscious mind is known as subliminal advertising. This form of advertising communicates at a level below the conscious awareness and can influence behavior without overt acknowledgment from the viewer. A common tactic in subliminal advertising within the business realm is the use of sexual imagery or suggestions to affect the perceptions and desires of potential customers.
According to Robert Cialdini, an expert in the field of persuasion, when associative learning is employed in advertising, it can be remarkably effective. The use of attractive models in car commercials is a prime example of this. The presence of the model creates an association with the car, leading viewers to regard the car as more desirable, faster, and better designed, even without conscious recognition.
This effect has been observed in advertising executives who apply principles of psychology to marketing. By connecting a product with positive or stimulating imagery, the viewer subconsciously develops a favorable attitude towards the product, which is the ultimate goal of advertising to enhance sales and brand perception.