MINI-TERM
PAPER
RELATIONAL COMM 113 - Mini-term Paper
DUE: April 21-30
SPECIFICATIONS:
1] Each person will prepare a 4-5 page mini-term paper which reviews a topic concerning some subset of Persusion. You may choose to investigate a specific theory, a specific line of research, or a specific topic. Topics are pretty open and there are thousands of potential areas to discuss.
2] Each paper should follow an approved format (e.g., APA, American Psychological Association; MLA, Modern Language Association, etc.). Journal articles or the texts can be modeled if you do not have access to a style manual. (11 or 12 point fonts only)
3] The paper must use at least three sources besides the text books (you don’t have to use the text, of course). At least two of the sources consulted must be from a published journal article. The most likely journals to be relevant are typified by the examples that follow (although many sociology and psychology journals also have relevant resources (e. g, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology). Please provide a bibliography. Also, once you have a topic you can consult the Communication and Mass Media Complete in the Library Datebase services to find related articles of interest, or consult the articles you find in the bibliography of your main article.
EVALUATION:
1] The most effective strategy is to select a very narrow topic and do the research which allows depth in your analysis. Very generic treatments or topics will not be as favorably received. You will most likely find the initial topic you choose to be too broad and once you know enough about the topic, you can then focus your discussion on an even more narrow aspect. If you have a question about your topic selection, an appropriate direction to follow, or where to look for materials, stop by my office hours or by appointment and talk, but not until you have made an effort. If you are uncertain browse relevant journals, or turn to patterns, or situations, you have notice in "real life." I know that each person in the class has a life time of encounting persuasive messages which are interesting, have been written about or tested in the literature, and merit consideration.
2] The paper should:
a. Identify the major terms of the area/theory directly related to interpersonal; identify and explain major implications of the area investigated for understanding the persuasive process; identify limitations when appropriate
b. Most importantly you must do more than simply report - also provide your analysisand conclusions. Error toward putting the discussion is your own words, trust your own ability to make judgments and evaluations concerning research you review.
c. What does an "A" paper look like: (1) is narrow and provides enough details (evidence) for your conclusion, yet provides some overview of the importance, placement of your subject matter, (2) Is presented in your own language; adding personalization and readability; in other words, it is your words and not so jargon laden or source dependent as to be impenetrable (3) develops a somewhat unique or fresh topic, (4) makes an argument, takes a position and defends it, does not just repeat what the authors you read said and (5) is written in an engaging manner
3] 20% of the grade
Finding Topics and Literature for your paper
There are thousands of articles published on aspects of Persuasion from both social science and rhetorical points of view
POTENTIAL TOPICS FOR MINI - TERM PROJECT
THESE ARE ONLY SUGGESTIVE. Explore several before choosing or conduct your own topic search. Nearly all of the topics will be interesting once one knows more about them.
Active participation Passive Participation Adaption level theory
Additive model Advertising Anchors
Anticipatory Attitude change Argument Arousal
Assimilation effect Attitude Attraction
Attribution Balance theory Beliefs
Boomerang Conditioning Approaches Cognitive Algebra
Congruity Dissonance Commitment
Comprehension Contrast Effects Counterarguing
Credibility Ego-defense EMG Response
Channel Fear Appeal Foot-in-the-Door
Forewarning Forgetting Functional theory
Mindlessness Identification Impression Manage
Incentives Inoculation theory Insufficient Justification
Intelligence Involvement Judgment approaches
Intelligence Involvement Judgment approaches
Latitude of Acceptance/rejection Mere Exposure Message logic
Order Effects Compliance gaining Warning Labels
Motivational approaches Learning theories Ownness bias
Perceptual approaches Persistence Perspective theory
Intentionality Polarization Positivity bias
Power Role playing Schema theory
Recency effect Propaganda Reactance theory
Door-in-the-Face Low-balling Self-esteem
Self awareness self-monitoring Self-perception
Sleeper effect Social Judgment Rate of speech
Interactive Technologies Reasoned Action Agenda setting
Value systems Metaphor Audience Analysis
Bandwagon Non-verbal Cultural Approach
Social movements Charisma Health Subjects
Delivery Dramatic pentad Reasoning
Emotional appeals Ethical issues Ethos
Evidence Dissemination of Inform. Grammatical forms
Humor Image in campaigns Logical appeals
Health campaigns Safety campaigns fundraising
Motivated sequence Messages Narratives Vagueness in
Association Slogans Repetition
Rhetorical vision Modeling Scripts
Semantic Axis Language & Persuasion Style
Subliminal Testimony (Legal) Visual evidence
Legitimization Disassociation Mind control
Intercultural aspects Interposed Selective exposure
Distortion Forgetting Attention
Salience Persuasibility Age factors
Gender factors Conformity Media effects
Cognitive response Spiral of Silence Critical events
Political spots Group membership Habit
Episodes Environmental constraints Visual imagery
Ingratiation Heuristic processing Memory
Scarcity Authority Behavior Modification