Inoculation Theory Flashcards
(18 cards)
The threat component in inoculation theory primarily functions to:
A) Deliver an emotional appeal
B) Warn of a potential persuasive attack
C) Replace existing attitudes
D) Trigger resistance through anger
Warn of a potential persuasive attack
What is the role of refutational preemption in inoculation?
A) It increases uncertainty
B) It presents counterarguments and refutes them
C) It boosts emotional arousal
D) It avoids confrontation by ignoring opposing views
It presents counterarguments and refutes them
The concept of umbrella protection refers to:
A) The use of fear appeals to create general resistance
B) Applying one message to many unrelated threats
C) Resistance to a wide range of related persuasive attempts
D) Covering emotional and logical appeals in one message
Resistance to a wide range of related persuasive attempts
Which of the following best defines post-inoculation talk?
A) Debates that follow after a persuasive failure
B) Casual conversations that reinforce the inoculated attitude
C) Instructions for delivering inoculation messages
D) Interviews with researchers post-study
Casual conversations that reinforce the inoculated attitude
The goal of booster messages is to:
A) Rebuild lost attitudes
B) Introduce new persuasive challenges
C) Strengthen initial inoculation over time
D) Confuse the receiver with additional arguments
Strengthen initial inoculation over time
TRUE or FALSE:
Inoculation messages must always be logical to be effective.
False
Emotional appeals can also play a significant role.
Inoculation Theory
TRUE or FALSE:
Reactance can weaken inoculation if the message is perceived as too controlling.
True
Reactance occurs when people feel their freedom is threatened
TRUE or FALSE:
Formative research helps tailor inoculation messages to specific audiences
True
Formative research identifies values and arguments meaningful to the target group.
TRUE or FALSE:
“Herd immunity” in communication means that multiple people discussing a belief can increase group resistance.
True
It builds collective resistance through social discussion and modeling
\
TRUE or FALSE:
Striking back is a more passive resistance strategy than preemptive defense
False
Striking back is an active, aggressive form of resistance, not passive
Define inoculation theory using the medical analogy it’s based on.
Inoculation Theory compares persuasion resistance to a medical vaccine:
Just as exposure to a weakened virus builds immunity, exposure to weak counterarguments (with refutations) builds mental resistance to stronger future attacks.
Inoculation Theory
Explain the two key components of an inoculation message and how they function
- Threat: Warns the audience that their belief may be attacked, triggering defense motivation.
- Refutational Preemption: Presents a weak opposing argument and counters it, helping the audience practice defending their attitudes.
How does emotion function in inoculation messages, and how can it both help and hurt the process?
Emotion can enhance resistance by making the message more engaging or memorable (e.g., using fear or pride).
However, excessive emotional appeals can backfire, leading to reactance if people feel manipulated.
What is preemptive strike in the context of misinformation, and how does it differ from healing?
Preemptive strike: Presenting and refuting misinformation before the audience is exposed to it.
Healing: Rebuilding trust and correcting beliefs after someone has been exposed to or influenced by misinformation
Identify two motivational obstacles that can limit the effectiveness of inoculation theory.
- Low involvement: People don’t care enough about the issue to resist.
- Overconfidence: People believe they’re already immune to persuasion and don’t need inoculation.
Inoculation Theory
Which of the following is part of the inoculation process?
A) Weak attack and strong refutation
B) Avoiding emotional appeals
C) Direct confrontation with misinformation
D) Ignoring opposing viewpoints
Weak attack and strong refutation
Inoculation Theory
What is the role of “post-inoculation talk” (PIT)?
A) To warn others about vaccine misinformation
B) To increase misinformation exposure
C) To encourage discussion and resistance through interpersonal communication
D) To reduce the effects of gatekeeping in newsrooms
To encourage discussion and resistance through interpersonal communication
Inoculation Theory
Which audience is most likely to benefit from inoculation messages?
A) Audiences with low involvement
B) Audiences with high emotional reactivity
C) Audiences with moderate involvement
D) Audiences already strongly persuaded
Audiences with moderate involvement
