Assingments % - What are the strengths of this body of literature?

1.) (Summary) Pick one theory of persuasion between:
Cognitive dissonance theory or Elaboration likelihood model.
Apply that theory to a case study of your choosing. The case study can be interpersonal, political, local, global, obscure, famous, etc. The only requirement is that the case study focuses on a group of people changing their minds or their behaviors. The goal of this essay is to learn more about the theory you have chosen through the
prism of the case study and to learn more about the case study through the prism of the theory.
2.) (Research) Find, employ, and cite five peer-reviewed sources about your chosen theory and five expert sources about your case study over the course of the paper. However, these numbers should be treated as minimums. An essential school skill is to learn to recognize which arguments require evidence and to supply that evidence. Although you should feel free to find and use a wide array of research, the best place to find peer-reviewed communication scholarship is through the “communication and mass media complete” database, which is available through a library.
Structure: Use following structure for the essay.
A. Introduction (1-2 pages): introduce the topic memorably, lay out your perspective and argument, your theory and your case study, and answer the “so what?” question. Tell the reader why you are studying what you’re studying and why we should care. The ways to answer the “so what” question are to emphasize the contribution you hope to make to how we understand the theory, the case study, or both.
B. Literature review (2-3 pages): This section should develop the theory you have chosen to apply. If, for example, you have chosen to apply the Elaboration Likelihood Model, explore the core tenets of the theory here. Put the five or more sources you have read about the ELM in conversation with one another here. What are the strengths of this body of literature? What are the weaknesses? The trick to a good literature review is not to discuss each source in turn but, instead, to pick out and isolate themes that cut across all of the research on your theory.
C. Application (4-5 pages): This section should closely analyze your case study in terms of the theory. The application section should flow naturally from the literature review. That is, the literature review should develop core themes in a theory, and then the application section should show how those core themes are or are not consistent with your case study. Don’t just describe what’s happening in your case study here. Go further. Show how we would not be able to understand the conclusions you are drawing without using the theoretical lens you have used. Consider sub-section headings in to subdivide the application section if necessary.
D. Conclusion (1-2 pages): Summarize your arguments memorably. Suggest avenues for future research. Return to the “so what?” question. Make sure the reader understands the stakes of your essay.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Theory of Persuasion Paper

Step 1: Choosing Your Theory and Case Study

Choose Your Theory of Persuasion:
- You need to pick one theory of persuasion between Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM).
- Cognitive Dissonance Theory focuses on the discomfort we feel when our beliefs are in conflict with our actions, leading us to change our attitudes or beliefs to reduce that discomfort.
- Elaboration Likelihood Model describes how persuasive messages are processed either through a central route (deep, thoughtful analysis) or peripheral route (superficial cues like attractiveness or authority).
Pick Your Case Study:
- Choose a case study where a group of people has changed their mind or behavior. It can be interpersonal, political, local, global, famous, obscure, etc. For example, you might choose a political campaign, a social movement, or a marketing campaign.
- Make sure the case study directly involves people changing their behavior or beliefs, which will help apply the theory you’ve chosen.

Step 2: Research Your Theory and Case Study

Find Peer-Reviewed Sources (Theory Research):
- Use the “communication and mass media complete” database or other academic sources.
- Gather at least five peer-reviewed sources that discuss the theory you chose. This could include articles that define the theory, its applications, critiques, and previous studies that used the theory.
Find Expert Sources (Case Study Research):
- Research and find at least five expert sources on your case study. These sources can be news articles, academic studies, or expert interviews related to the group’s behavior change in your case study.

Step 3: Structure Your Essay

A. Introduction (1-2 Pages)

Start Memorably: Your introduction should grab attention. Consider using an engaging quote, a surprising fact, or a rhetorical question to draw in your reader.
Introduce Your Theory: Briefly introduce the theory of persuasion you’ve chosen (either Cognitive Dissonance Theory or Elaboration Likelihood Model).
Introduce Your Case Study: Summarize your case study, giving context to the group of people whose behavior or attitudes are changing.
Answer the “So What?” Question: Why is this important? Explain why you’re studying this theory and case study and how your insights could contribute to our understanding of the theory or the case.

Example:
“This essay examines how Cognitive Dissonance Theory can explain the persuasive tactics behind the viral success of a recent social media campaign that encouraged young people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Understanding this connection not only enhances our grasp of the theory but also sheds light on the persuasive mechanisms behind modern digital activism.”

B. Literature Review (2-3 Pages)

Develop the Theory:
- Dive into the core principles of your theory.
- If you chose Cognitive Dissonance Theory, explain its key concepts like dissonance, consonance, and how people deal with conflicting beliefs or behaviors.
- If you chose the Elaboration Likelihood Model, explain how persuasion can take place via either the central route (thoughtful consideration) or peripheral route (relying on cues like authority or attractiveness).
Contextualize with Sources:
- Synthesize the five peer-reviewed sources you gathered. Instead of summarizing each one, group the findings into themes.
- Highlight the strengths of these sources (e.g., robust experimental data, real-world application) and note any weaknesses or gaps (e.g., contradictory results, limited scope).
Theme-Based Discussion:
- If discussing Cognitive Dissonance Theory, focus on themes like the importance of discomfort and motivation to resolve dissonance.
- If discussing ELM, focus on themes like the importance of cognitive effort or external cues in persuasion.

C. Application (4-5 Pages)

Analyze the Case Study Using Your Theory:
- This section will be the core of your essay. Connect the core themes of the theory directly to your case study.
- For example, if you’re using Cognitive Dissonance Theory and your case study is about a political campaign, discuss how the campaign might have created dissonance in voters (e.g., conflicting attitudes toward a candidate) and how the campaign worked to reduce that dissonance.
Explain Theory’s Relevance:
- Show why this theoretical lens helps to explain the case study. Don’t just describe the case—use the theory to interpret and explain the behavior.
Consider Subsections:
- Break this section down into smaller parts if necessary. For example, if your case study involves multiple stages of persuasion (e.g., before and after a campaign), break the analysis into these stages to make it clearer.

Example:
“When applying Cognitive Dissonance Theory to this campaign, it’s evident that the campaign organizers worked to induce dissonance in individuals who had previously ignored climate change. The cognitive discomfort caused by conflicting beliefs (supporting the campaign’s message but not taking action) pushed individuals toward adopting the campaign’s behaviors, such as reducing their carbon footprint.”

D. Conclusion (1-2 Pages)

Summarize Key Arguments:
- Briefly recap the main points of your paper and the connection between your theory and case study.
Address the “So What?” Question Again:
- Reflect on why this study is significant. What insights does your paper provide about the theory and case study? How does it contribute to existing research or practice?
Future Research:
- Suggest areas for future research related to your theory or case study. Are there aspects that require further exploration? Could this theory be applied to other case studies?

Step 4: Proofreading and Finalizing Your Paper

Review for Coherence: Ensure that your arguments flow logically from the introduction through the literature review and into the application.
Check Citation Format: Make sure all your sources are cited correctly in APA format (both in-text citations and references).
Proofread for Grammar and Clarity: Carefully check for spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. Make sure your writing is clear and concise.

SEO-Friendly Title Suggestions:

Applying Cognitive Dissonance Theory to Understand Behavior Change in Political Campaigns
The Power of Persuasion: Analyzing the Elaboration Likelihood Model Through a Social Media Case Study
How Persuasion Shapes Behavior: Exploring Cognitive Dissonance in Modern Campaigns
Exploring the Elaboration Likelihood Model: A Case Study on Persuasive Political Advertising

By following this guide, you’ll be able to effectively structure and develop your essay, integrating theory and case study to create a strong, compelling argument. Make sure you back up your claims with research, stay focused on the theory, and analyze the case study critically.