Final answer:
The example of Alison considering a financial investment showcases the central route to persuasion, characterized by a focus on message content and logic, leading to sustainable attitude change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The example of Alison making a financial investment decision after carefully considering the presenter's arguments shows the central route to persuasion. This route involves a deep focus on the content and logic of the message. It is most effective when individuals are motivated and willing to engage in processing the information presented to them. Instead of superficial cues, the central route relies on the quality, strength, and merit of the arguments at hand, which can lead to a more enduring attitude change, as it requires the audience to be analytical and involved in the message. In contrast, the peripheral route to persuasion depends on indirect cues like positive emotions or celebrity endorsements and often yields less permanent changes in attitudes and behavior.