Effects Theory: Insight Into Persuasion

By: Heather K. Gallagher


The processes by which human beings share ideas and influence one another have stimulated passionate inquiry into the components of communication. Of all that has been studied and uncovered, this paper intends to illuminate one small and intriguing niche of that inquiry -- Effects Theory.

 

Table of Contents

The Importance of Effects Theory

The Founder: Carl Hovland

Source Credibility

One-sided vs. Two-sided Arguments

Specificity of Conclusions

Fear Appeals

Connections to the Field of Advertising

Conclusion

Bibliography


hkg@mail.utexas.edu