Question 1

Most critics of advertising tolerate informative advertisements better than persuasive advertisements. Which of the following reasons best explains why it is hard to engage in only informational advertising?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to separate purely informational advertising from persuasive advertising because even informative ads include some level of persuasion or influence to convince customers to choose their product over competing options. Additionally, some customers may perceive informative ads as attempts at persuasion, even if the information presented is accurate and helpful.

Question 2

_____ advertising is criticized for fostering discontent among consumers and encouraging them to purchase products and services as a way of dealing with deeper problems.

Accepted Answer

Persuasive advertising is known for focusing on emotional appeals and creating a desire for consumer goods. It can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction among consumers who feel that owning a particular product will solve deeper problems such as loneliness or low self-esteem. This type of advertising has been criticized for promoting materialism and encouraging consumer culture.

Question 3

Which of the following groups in the United States argues that advertising that portrays women as sex objects contributes to violence against women?

Accepted Answer

The National Organization for Women is a feminist organization that advocates for women's rights and works to combat sexism, including the harmful portrayal of women in advertising. The other options listed do not have a specific focus on addressing violence against women or the negative effects of sexualized advertising on women. The American Psychological Association has published research on the topic, but does not advocate for social change in the same way that the National Organization for Women does.

Question 4

Which of the following has had a profound impact in reducing sexism and stereotyping in advertising?

Accepted Answer

An increase in the number of working women has led to a significant decline in sexism and stereotyping in advertising. This is because companies are recognizing the purchasing power and influence of women in the workforce, and are thus more inclined to portray women as strong and capable individuals rather than submissive objects. Additionally, the presence of more women in positions of power within companies has likely led to greater sensitivity to these issues.

Question 5

Which of the following is a component most likely to be present in a persuasive advertisement?

Accepted Answer

Social status is a component most likely to be present in a persuasive advertisement because many consumers aspire to improve their social status and may be persuaded to purchase a product that they believe will enhance their standing in society. Price, performance, availability, and specifications are all important factors to consider when making a purchase, but they may not be the primary focus of a persuasive advertisement.

Question 6

Which of the following statements supports defenders of persuasive advertising in terms of Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory?

Accepted Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory suggests that individuals have basic needs (such as food, shelter, and safety) that must be met before they can move on to higher-order needs (such as self-esteem and self-actualization). Persuasive advertising can cater to those higher-order needs by offering products or services that promise to enhance self-esteem or fulfill personal aspirations. Therefore, the statement that supports defenders of persuasive advertising in terms of Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is that "It is natural for individuals to move to higher-order needs such as self-esteem."

Question 7

Persuasive advertising is criticized for:

Accepted Answer

Persuasive advertising can create a sense of discontentment by emphasizing on what one lacks in order to create demand for a product or service.

Question 8

Which of the following groups in the United States has been critical of advertisers for the way they portray women in advertisements for clothing, cosmetics, and other products?

Accepted Answer

The National Organization for Women has been known to be critical of advertisers for the way they portray women in advertisements. They advocate for more realistic and diverse depictions of women in advertising.

Question 9

Track Inc., a bike manufacturer, decides to launch a new model. If Track decides to use a persuasive rather than informational strategy, which of the following components is likely to be the focus of the advertisement?

Accepted Answer

When using a persuasive strategy, the focus is on creating desire for the product rather than just providing information. Attractiveness, emphasizing the design and style of the new bike, is likely to be the main focus of the advertisement in order to persuade consumers to want to purchase the product.

Question 10

Which of the following products' advertisements is least likely be criticized for encouraging materialism?

Accepted Answer

Wind turbines are unlikely to be criticized for encouraging materialism as they are associated with environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices rather than excessive consumerism.

Question 11

Portrayals of adult women on American television and in print advertising emphasize _____.

Accepted Answer

Research shows that adult women are often portrayed as passive on American television and in print advertising, emphasizing traditional gender roles and expectations. This reinforces societal norms and can limit women's representation and opportunities in various fields.

Question 12

Which of the following statements supports the idea that advertisements do not promote materialism?

Accepted Answer

This statement supports the idea that advertisements do not promote materialism because it suggests that consumers' values are shaped by society and not by advertising. If society values material possessions and success, advertising merely reflects that value rather than creating it.

Question 13

Critics argue that a major contributor to materialism is advertising that:

Accepted Answer

Advertising often tries to create a desire for products that are not necessary for our survival, implying that possessions can lead to a happier life. This message can contribute to materialism by encouraging people to accumulate more and more possessions, even if they do not need them.

Question 14

Research has shown that nonverbal behaviors involving _____ are associated more with boys than girls.

Accepted Answer

Research has found that nonverbal behaviors involving dominance and control, such as expansive body posture, are associated more with boys than girls. Girls tend to exhibit nonverbal behaviors involving passivity and trustworthiness, such as leaning forward and nodding. Aggression and lack of credibility are not necessarily gendered behaviors.

Question 15

Which of the following components is most likely to be reflected in an informational advertisement?

Accepted Answer

Informational advertisements primarily focus on providing information about the performance and availability of the product. This type of advertisement is used to inform potential customers about the features and benefits of the product.

Question 16

American television and print advertising have portrayed men as _____.

Accepted Answer

American television and print advertising have often portrayed men as achieving and successful, highlighting their strength and power in professions such as business, sports, and politics. This reinforces traditional gender roles and expectations for men to be providers and leaders.

Question 17

Space-it-out Design Inc. launches a new range of furniture. The marketing head, Sana, wants to change the advertising strategy from persuasive to informational. Which of the following components is she most likely to remove from the existing advertisement?

Accepted Answer

Since Sana wants to change the advertisement strategy from persuasive to informational, the component most likely to be removed is attractiveness, as this is not relevant information for an informative advertisement. The remaining components - price, performance, comfort, and availability - provide important information that potential customers would want to know about the new range of furniture.

Question 18

Which of the following statements can proponents of advertising use against the charge that advertising makes people buy things they do not need?

Accepted Answer

Proponents of advertising can argue that consumers have the freedom to make their own choices when faced with persuasive advertising, implying that they are not forced to buy things they do not need. This defends the idea that consumers are ultimately responsible for the purchasing decisions they make.

Question 19

Which of the following supports the view that advertising encourages materialism?

Accepted Answer

Ads seek to create needs rather than show how a product fulfills needs.

Question 20

Which of the following statements is true of advertising targeted to African-American and Hispanic consumers?

Accepted Answer

Historically, advertisers have ignored African-Americans and Hispanics as identifiable subcultures and viable markets. It is only in recent years that marketers have recognized the importance of these groups as consumers and have targeted them specifically in advertising campaigns.

Quiz 21: Evaluating the Social, Ethical, and Economic Aspects of Advertising and Promotion