Why Is Humor Used So Frequently in Advertisements? in Your

question 106

Essay

Why is humor used so frequently in advertisements? In your response, include evidence from research studies on using humor in advertising.

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Definitions:

Drive Theory

Zajonc’s theory that the physical presence of members of the same species instinctively causes arousal that motivates performance of habitual behaviour patterns.

Social Facilitation

The phenomenon that people perform tasks better or more efficiently in the presence of others than when alone.

Social Inhibition

The tendency for individuals to perform differently, usually worse, when in the presence of others than when alone.

Distraction/Conflict Theory

A theory suggesting that the presence of conflicting stimuli or distractions can impair cognitive performance and decision-making processes.