Final answer:
The technique used in the advertisement is the legitimating influence tactic that involves authority figures endorsing a product to enhance its credibility. Consumers should critically review product claims and consult healthcare professionals before making decisions based on such advertisements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The approach to convincing viewers to purchase a weight loss product by featuring doctors who note the safety and effectiveness of the product is an example of the legitimating influence tactic. This tactic involves using authority figures or experts to lend credibility to a product, making it more appealing to consumers. This method aligns with the idea that credible, expert sources are more persuasive, as noted by researchers like Hovland and Weiss (1951).
When it comes to evaluating such products, thorough research is essential. One should review scholarly articles, customer reviews, potential side effects, and scientific evidence behind the product's claims. It's also advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. With regards to the advertisement's claims, one should consider whether endorsement by a doctor or before-and-after photographs constitute reliable evidence of the product's effectiveness.