The Ethics of Persuasion Chapter 16 Ethics ? A study of moral conduct, value judgments on what is right or wrong Persuasion is unethical in most cases. A. Strongly Agree B. Moderately Agree C. Neutral D. Moderately Disagree E. Strongly Disagree ? Ethics of persuasion ? ? ? Persuasion cannot give answers to what is morally right or wrong Persuasion research is focused on the means Persuasion researchers are ethically responsible for the knowledge they uncover and pass along. Persuasion as a Tool ? ‘The means of persuasion themselves are ethically neutral’. (McCroskey, 1972) ? ? ? ? ? But ! Can be misused Deception Fear appeals Coercion Ingratiation Is the use of _____ ever ethically justifiable and, if so, under what conditions or circumstances? The motives color the means ‘Good’ Motive or End ategy or Means ‘Evil’ Motive or End Use of deception Trying to conceal a birthday Trying to swindle an elderly party from the person in person out of his or her life whose honor the party is savings being given Use of fear appeals Trying to convince a child never to accept a ride from a stranger Threatening to demote an employee for refusing a superior’s sexual advances Use of ingratiation Trying to cheer up a friend who is depressed about a grade on a test Lavishing attention on a dying relative in an effort to inherit money from the relative Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ethical approaches ? Ends v.s. means ? ? Consequentialism ? ? ? You have moral obligations despite of the outcome Amoralism (Machiavellianism) ? ? ? Weight the pro and cons of your actions Actions that produces the greatest balance of good over bad are ethical Deontological systems- duty ethics ? ? Is the method of influence justified by the outcome? Do it if you can get away with it (laws, social ostracism) Decisions are based on your self-interest Situational ethics (relativism) ? There are no moral absolutes, no ethical maxims. It’ll depend on the situation. Ethical approaches (cont.) ? Universalism ? ? Egalitarianism (the Golden rule) ? ? ? -let the buyer beware Little or no restraint on persuasive messages Receivers are responsible for critically evaluating messages Utilitarianism ? ? Treat others as they would treat themselves Free market ethics ? ? Treat others as you would have them treat you The Platinum Rule ? ? There are universal laws for everyone. Certain universal human right must be honored. The greatest good for the greatest number of people Virtue ethics ? Based on personal character (What kind of person do I want to be?) Ethical Persuasion Is based upon: ? Respect ? ? Reaffirm the other person’s sense of self-worth Equality and reciprocity Equal status in the persuasive communication ? Do not call list: https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx ? ? Tolerance ? Patience and openness to other’s points of view Vulnerable audiences ? ? ? ? ? Children Patients with terminal illnesses Elderly citizens New immigrants, non-English speakers Low income people How can you make sure you’re being ethical when attempting to persuade highly vulnerable audiences? Deception Honesty is the best policy. A. Strongly agree B. Moderately agree. C. Neither agree nor disagree D. Moderately disagree E. Strongly disagree ? Seiter, Bruschke, and Bai (2002) asked to rate the acceptability of lies in China and US ? ? Selfish benefits v.s. benefits to others Ethics and Threats ? When you were growing up, how often your parents used threats of punishment to make you comply? A. On a regular basis B. Sometimes C. Once and it was enough D. Never Use of Threats ? ? ? ? ? ? May create a state of psychological distress Promotes status differences, inequality May damage and destroy the relationship Can trigger aggression Must be carried out from time to time Teaching others to rely on threats Ethics and Fear appeals ? ? ? ? Is it ethical to promote a ‘culture of fear’? A. Yes B. No C. May be How to use Fear appeals ethically ? ? ? Only if the hazards are genuine Use specific recommendations on how to cope with the dangers Use recommendations on what people should do (perceived efficacy)

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.