Soc610 Ass
Soc610 Ass
(SOC610)
ASSIGNMENT SOLUTION
ANSWER: (a)
In applying the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) to raise awareness about mental
health as a social media influencer, I would make the following assumptions:
1. I would assume that some individuals are motivated and capable of critically
evaluating information about mental health. These individuals are likely to
engage in central route processing, where they carefully consider the content,
evidence, and arguments presented.
2. I would assume that others may lack the motivation or cognitive resources to
deeply engage with the topic. These individuals are more likely to rely on
peripheral cues such as the influencer’s popularity, emotional appeal, or visual
aesthetics of the content to form attitudes about mental health.
4. I would assume that the effectiveness of my messages would depend not only on
the content but also on the credibility of the source. As a social media influencer,
I would need to establish my credibility by sharing accurate information, personal
experiences (if applicable).
5. I would assume that repeated exposure to messages about mental health is
necessary to facilitate attitude change, especially for individuals who initially
engage in peripheral route processing.
ANSWER: (b)
To effectively change attitudes regarding mental health as a social media influencer, I
would consider employing the central route of persuasion according to the Elaboration
Likelihood Model (ELM). This route focuses on presenting strong, logical arguments and
factual information to encourage deep cognitive processing by the audience.
By creating content that highlights the prevalence of mental health issues, their impact
on individuals and society, and evidence-based strategies for prevention and treatment,
I would aim to engage my audience’s rational thinking and encourage them to critically
evaluate their beliefs and attitudes towards mental health.
Through well-researched articles, expert interviews, and educational videos, I
would provide compelling evidence to challenge misconceptions and stigma
surrounding mental illness, fostering a more informed and empathetic perspective
among my followers.
ANSWER: (c)
In the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), I would focus on the central route to
persuasion, which emphasizes cognitive processing and critical thinking. This means
presenting compelling, evidence-based information about mental health to engage
people’s rational minds and encourage them to carefully consider their attitudes and
beliefs.
To effectively utilize the central route, I would create content that includes:
1. Sharing accurate and reliable information about mental health, including
statistics, research findings, and expert opinions. This could be in the form of
articles, videos, or infographics.
2. Featuring narratives from individuals who have experienced mental health issues
or have been affected by them, humanizing the issue and helping to reduce
stigma. These stories can evoke empathy and encourage perspective-taking.
5. Consistently sharing messages about mental health over time to reinforce the
importance of the topic and increase the likelihood of attitude change.
References
Chaiken, S., & Eagly, A. H. (1989). Heuristic and systematic information processing
within and beyond the persuasion context. Unintended Thought, 212-252.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1989-98015-007
Petty, R. E., & Cacioppo, J. T. (1986). The Elaboration Likelihood Model of Persuasion.
Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 19, 123–205.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
229068356_The_Elaboration_Likelihood_Model_of_Persuasion
Petty, R. E., & Cacioppo, J. T. (1986). Communication and persuasion: Central and
peripheral routes to attitude change. Springer-Verlag.
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4612-4964-1