Identify the factors related to source characteristics that influence attitude change:
(A) Mode
(B) Credibility
(C) Rational appeal
(D) Attractiveness
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (B) and (D) only
Attitude change depends on the characteristics of the source (who gives the message), the message itself and the target (who receives it).
(A) Mode Incorrect. The mode of spreading the message, such as face-to-face talk rather than letters, pamphlets or mass media, is a feature of the message, not of the source.
(B) Credibility Correct. Source credibility is one of the two features of the source that affect attitude change: a message from a highly credible source, like a computer engineer speaking about laptops, changes attitudes more.
(C) Rational appeal Incorrect. Whether the message carries a rational or an emotional appeal (saving fuel versus caring for the family’s nutrition) is a message characteristic.
(D) Attractiveness Correct. Attractiveness is the other feature of the source named with credibility.
NCERT (2025-26): “Source characteristics : … Source credibility and attractiveness are two features that affect attitude change. Attitudes are more likely to change when the message comes from a highly credible source rather than from a low-credible source.…” “Message characteristics : … The message is the information that is presented in order to bring about an attitude change. Attitudes will change when the amount of information that is given about the topic is just enough, neither too much nor too little. Whether the message contains a rational or an emotional appeal, also makes a difference.…” “Message characteristics : … Finally, the mode of spreading the message plays a significant role. Face-to-face transmission of the message is usually more effective than indirect transmission, as for instance, through letters and pamphlets, or even through mass media.…” |