10 Questions
Which of the following best defines propaganda?
Publicly disseminated information that serves to influence others in belief and/or action
What distinguishes propaganda from advertising?
The instigator’s purpose
What does the term 'soft power' refer to?
The ability to affect others by attraction and persuasion rather than just coercion and payment
What is another meaning of 'soft power'?
The ability to affect others by attraction and persuasion rather than just coercion and payment
What does the 'Cool Japan' program in Japan refer to?
A government-funded soft power program
Which of the following is NOT an example of people engaging in collective action?
Free riding
According to Olson's theory of collective action, why may a group not engage in an action for the betterment of the group?
The action is not in the self-interest of the group
According to Ostrom, how are a substantial number of collective action situations resolved successfully?
Through the development and growth of social norms
According to Olson's theory, which type of group is more likely to engage in collective action?
Small groups
What is the main factor that influences whether rational, self-interested individuals will act to achieve their common or group interest?
Separate individual incentives
Study Notes
Propaganda and Soft Power
- Propaganda is best defined as the dissemination of information, especially in a biased or misleading way, to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.
- Propaganda is distinguished from advertising in that propaganda is often used to influence public opinion and promote a particular ideology or political agenda, whereas advertising aims to promote a product or service.
Soft Power
- Soft power refers to the ability of a country to achieve its goals through attraction, persuasion, and co-option, rather than through coercion or force.
- Another meaning of soft power is the ability of a country to shape the preferences of others through intangible resources, such as culture, values, and institutions.
'Cool Japan' Program
- The 'Cool Japan' program in Japan refers to a government-funded initiative aimed at promoting Japanese pop culture, such as anime, manga, and video games, to increase the country's soft power globally.
Collective Action
- An example of NOT engaging in collective action is a group of people failing to work together to address a common problem or achieve a shared goal.
- According to Olson's theory of collective action, a group may not engage in an action for the betterment of the group because individual members may withhold their contributions, assuming others will take on the burden.
- According to Ostrom, a substantial number of collective action situations are resolved successfully through the creation of institutions and rules that ensure cooperation and prevent free riding.
- According to Olson's theory, small groups are more likely to engage in collective action, as individual contributions are more noticeable and individuals are more likely to be held accountable.
Factors Influencing Collective Action
- The main factor that influences whether rational, self-interested individuals will act to achieve their common or group interest is the individuals' perception of the benefits and costs of their actions, including the probability of success and the likelihood of free riding.
Test your knowledge on propaganda and censorship with this quiz! Explore definitions and concepts related to propaganda, and learn how it influences beliefs and actions. Challenge yourself with questions on the different forms of propaganda and its impact on society.
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