Persuasion in Captology

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Questions and Answers

What is the key difference between a planned persuasive effect and a side effect of a technology?

A planned persuasive effect is temporary, while a side effect is permanent.

A planned persuasive effect is intended by the designers, while a side effect is not. (correct)

A planned persuasive effect is more likely to be positive, while a side effect is more likely to be negative.

A planned persuasive effect is always successful, while a side effect is not.

What is the focus of Captology?

The persuasive effects of technology that are designed by its developers. (correct)

The ethical implications of using technology to manipulate people's opinions.

The influence of technology on cognitive processes and social interactions.

The unintended consequences of technology on human behavior.

What is an example of a side effect of a technology, as described in the text?

Using email for communication leading to a decrease in the use of traditional mail. (correct)

Using a fitness tracker to motivate people to exercise more.

Using online reviews to compare different products before purchasing.

Using social media to raise awareness about a social issue.

Which of the following is NOT considered a planned persuasive effect of technology, according to the text?

Decreasing the amount of time children spend watching television. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best definition of persuasion, as presented in the text?

Any attempt to influence someone's opinion or behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key message conveyed by the text about the impact of technology?

Technology has a profound impact on human behavior, both intended and unintended. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interaction does captology focus on, human-computer interaction (HCI) or computer-mediated communication (CMC)?

Human-computer interaction (HCI) (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can the persuasive power of technology be used effectively?

By designing technology with intentionality and ethical considerations in mind. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are computer-based coercion and deception not considered part of captology?

They do not rely on persuasion, but rather on force or manipulation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can we infer from the text about the relationship between persuasion and technology?

Technology is a neutral tool that can be used for both persuasive and non-persuasive purposes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How can a computer be considered a participant in an interaction and a source of persuasion?

By proactively seeking to motivate and influence users through pre-programmed strategies. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a strategy that a computer might use to persuade a user?

Interrupting the user's workflow with pop-up advertisements. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between human-computer interaction (HCI) and computer-mediated communication (CMC)?

HCI focuses on the interaction between a user and a computer, while CMC focuses on the interaction between two or more people through a computer. (E) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of captology, how does a computer differ from a channel of communication, like a telephone or email?

A computer has the potential to be persuasive, while a telephone or email is simply a tool for communication. (C), A computer can be used for both communication and persuasion, while a telephone or email is only for communication. (D), A computer is an active participant in an interaction, while a telephone or email is a passive tool. (F) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point the author is making by highlighting the question: 'Do we interact with computers or do we interact through them'?

The author is questioning the nature of the relationship between humans and computers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of persuasive intent does Captology primarily focus on?

Endogenous intent designed into a product (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes exogenous persuasive intent?

Persuasion that occurs when users adopt a product for unexpected goals (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the overall persuasive intent of a product?

Macrosuasion (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which product example is mentioned as lacking intrinsic persuasive intent?

Palm computer (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major reason why products like 'Baby Think It Over' exist?

To influence user attitudes or behaviors (C) Signup and view all the answers

What levels can persuasion occur on, according to the content?

Micro and macro levels (D) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does successful persuasion have on users?

It fosters long-term attitude and behavior Changes (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Captology regarding persuasive technology?

Enhancing the inherent persuasive qualities in products (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary microsuasion technique used by Classmates.com?

Creating curiosity about high school classmates (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following games is mentioned as using microsuasion elements?

WarCraft III (A) Signup and view all the answers

What incentivizes players in WarCraft III when they kill enemies?

Auditory reinforcement from dying sounds (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall goal of designers using microsuasion in products like Baby Think It Over?

To motivate behavioral change (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect serves as microsuasion in WarCraft III when players progress their hero?

Choosing a new power (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one way productivity software designers can utilize microsuasion?

Combining features with entertainment elements (A) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the prospect of gaining new powers have on players in WarCraft III?

It serves as a form of microsuasion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What result does public commitment have, as used by Quitnet.com?

Increases the likelihood of quitting smoking (C) Signup and view all the answers

What technique might be viewed as subtly coercive when interacting with web content?

Having dialog boxes that require answers before proceeding (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which authors discuss the distinctions in persuasion, coercion, and deception?

Reardon and Zimbardo (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one proposed reason for children watching less TV, according to Nielsen Media Research?

More video games available (D) Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Donald Roberts help clarify regarding communication effects?

The distinction between planned and side effects (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did Bench Capon and McEnery emphasize about computer interactions?

People interact with each other through computers (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does computer-mediated communication (CMC) encompass?

Various forms of interactions through computers (D) Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect does intention play in understanding communication outcomes?

It helps differentiate between planned and unintended effects (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is mentioned as providing a comprehensive resource on computer-mediated communication?

John December's online resource (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of incorporating microsuasion in software applications like Quicken?

To simplify the process of managing personal finances (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of microsuasion as described in the content?

Offering gold stars for task completion (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Quicken influence users' financial behavior through microsuasion?

By displaying reminders and visualizations (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of content does CodeWarriorU.com use to promote its effectiveness?

Testimonials from users (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes microsuasion?

Small elements designed to subtly influence user behavior (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of using praise as a microsuasion technique in educational software?

It can enhance brand loyalty and learning engagement (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of software product is Quicken categorized as based on its use of microsuasion?

Personal finance management software (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an application of microsuasion in software according to the content?

Setting strict deadlines for users (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Persuasion

Persuasion, in the context of captology, is the attempt to change attitudes or behaviors, or both, without coercion or deception.
Philosophers and scholars have been examining persuasion for centuries, but there's no single agreed-upon definition.
Persuasion differs from coercion, which involves force.

Persuasion vs. Deception/Coercion

Persuasion and deception can be confused, but persuasion involves voluntary change, while deception does not.
Persuasion is not coercion, where force is used to change behaviors.

Captology Focus

Captology focuses on the effects of technology on human behavior, not on human-computer communication.
It focuses on the built-in persuasive intent of technology, not on unintended consequences.
It distinguishes between planned persuasive effects and side effects of technology.

Levels of Persuasion

Persuasion can occur on two levels: macro and micro.
Macrosuasion describes the overall persuasive intent of a technology or product.
Microsuasion refers to smaller persuasive elements within a larger product.

Microsuasion Examples

Microsuasion techniques can be embedded in various elements of technology, such as dialogue boxes and icons.
Examples include praise in educational software or reminder systems in financial applications, to motivate user behaviors.
Websites and video games often utilize microsuasion to drive engagement and encourage continued use.

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Description

Explore the concept of persuasion and its distinctions from coercion and deception. Delve into how technology plays a role in persuasion through captology and understand the two levels at which persuasion can occur. This quiz provides insights into the dynamics of changing attitudes and behaviors.