Social Science SPC 3210- Weekly Assignment 4

Read Chapters 14 and 16

 Answer all of the 4 questions separately, and your answers should link only to the textbook concepts/theories.

1.  Sherifs state that the most dramatic, widespread, and enduring cases of attitude change involve reference groups with differing values. Why would this be the case? Can you provide an example from personal experience? 

2.  Griffin writes, “The mental processes the Sherifs described are automatic. The theorists reduced interpersonal influence to the issue of the distance between the message and the hearer’s position.” What are the ramifications of this statement? Does free will have a place in this approach to persuasion? You may wish to refer to or draw on other theories to enhance your answer. 

3.  Using examples to develop your response, discuss the minimal justification hypothesis.

4.  Respond to the following quote: “Of all the theories presented in this book (or so far in this class), cognitive dissonance engenders the least respect for human nature.” 

APA Citation: 

Sparks, E.G.A.L. G. (2022). A First Look at Communication Theory (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://reader2.yuzu.com/books/9781264978397