Question

_____ is a form of influence where the communication of facts, ideas, and opinions is not for the sake of the audience but to benefit the communicator.

a) Persuasion
b) Manipulation
c) Coercion
d) Informational Communication

Answer 1

Manipulation is a form of influence where facts, ideas, and opinions are communicated primarily to benefit the communicator rather than the audience. This contrasts with informational communication, which aims to share knowledge truthfully. Understanding the intent and impact of communication is essential in differentiating between manipulation and genuine information sharing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The form of influence where the communication of facts, ideas, and opinions is not for the sake of the audience but to benefit the communicator is known as b) Manipulation. Unlike informational communication, which aims to share knowledge, manipulation is designed to sway people to the benefit of the manipulator, possibly to their detriment. It is a tactical use of communication that can distort or cherry-pick facts to achieve the manipulator's goals.

In the context of social psychology studies:

1. In the Asch experiment, participants conformed due to b) normative reasons.
2. Informational social influence will be more likely under conditions d) both b and c - when the answer is unclear and when the group has expertise.
3. Researchers might use b) deception to skew their responses in a study.

Persuasion, as a process, is directed towards changing our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors by way of communication, typically beneficial to one party in the equation. Recognizing the difference between genuine informational communication and manipulative tactics is vital.