By:Connor Lo
D-Lab: Media Manipulation
This d-lab was led by Casey. In this d-lab, we learned how advertisers exploit the rhetorical triangle, employ persuasive techniques and propaganda, embrace logical fallacies, and manipulate audio and images in attempts to control our spending and voting decisions.
Pathos
(Appeal to emotions)
Rhetorical Triangle
Ethos
(Appeal to credibility)
Logos
(Appeal to logic)
Logical Fallacies
-
Ad Hominem fallacy
Attacking the person rather than the person’s argument.
2. Straw Man fallacy
Distorting or oversimplifying an argument in order to shoot it down.
3. Appeal to Ignorance
Arguing that because something has not been proven it is not the case, OR because something has not yet been disproven, it IS the case.
4. Black-and-White fallacy
Creating a false dilemma between two polarized choices rather than acknowledging a variety of options.
5. Slippery Slope fallacy
Arguing that absurd or unlikely results will occur as a result of something smaller.
6. Circular Argument
Arguing for a conclusion that is a premise of the argument.
7. Hasty Generalization
Making a general claim without qualifiers or sufficient evidence -- often a stereotype, overstatement or exaggeration.
8. Red Herring
Arguing something that may sound relevant but is off-topic or distracts from the issue.
9. You Too or Appeal to Hypocrisy
Discrediting an opponent's argument by pointing out that the opponent has not acted according to the argument’s conclusion.
10. Causal Fallacies
Improperly identifying or assuming a cause, such as concluding a cause without evidence (false cause), assuming that a thing that happened first caused the thing that happened next (post hoc fallacy), or that two things that happen at the same time are related (correlational fallacy).
Pathos Persuasive Techniques
1. Transfer
A way of associating a positive or negative emotion with a product.
Ex: A happy family in the background of an item being advertised.
2. Bandwagon
In an argument, the writer says that because most people agree, the reader should too.
Ex: Everyone knows that the Golden State Warriors is the best basketball team .
3. Fear Appeal
Using fear to motivate the reader to make a move against the "threat".
Ex: Advertising life support in case something deadly happens to you.
4. Plain Folks
When a speaker presents themselves as an average Joe, someone who can listen and empathize with the common people.
Ex: A president running for office trying to gain trust from the people.
5. Snob Appeal
Refers to the attributes or qualities that may appeal to "snobby people". Aims to flatter or please.
Ex: Advertising a Rolex with 24 karat diamonds.
6. Testimonial
Using a famous person or companies to endorse a product.
Ex: Chris Paul advertising state farm partnering with the NBA.
7. Glittering Generalities/Weasel Words
Using words to provoke positive feelings. Using terms that appear meaningful but are vague and superficial at best.
Ex: No pain no gain, "Researchers say".
8. Card Stacking
Manipulating audience's perception of an issue by emphasizing one side and suppressing the other. One-sided testimonials.
Ex: Only advertising the positive effects of Colgate and negative effects of Crest.