The objection that advertising confuses the buyers rests on which of the following?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Many competing products are advertised with similar claims about what they do.
Option (1) Some advertisements show new life styles, which do not find social approval. — Incorrect. New life styles that lack social approval are part of the objection that advertising undermines social values.
Option (2) Advertising persuades people to purchase even the inferior products. — Incorrect. Persuading people to buy even inferior products is the objection that advertising encourages sale of inferior products.
Option (3) The cost of advertising is passed on to the buyers in the form of high prices. — Incorrect. Cost passed on as high prices is the objection that advertising adds to cost.
Option (4) Many competing products are advertised with similar claims about what they do. — Correct. So many products make similar claims that the buyer cannot tell which one is true. Detergents claiming the same whiteness are an example. This is the objection that advertising confuses the buyers.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “1. Adds to Cost: The opponents of advertising argue that advertising unnecessarily adds to the cost of product, which is ultimately passed on to the buyers in the form of high prices. …” “2. Undermines Social Values: Another important criticism of advertising is that it undermines social values and promotes materialism. It breeds discontent among people as they come to know about new products and feel dissatisfied with their present state of affairs. Some advertisements show new life styles, which don’t find social approval. …” “3. Confuses the Buyers: Another criticism against advertisement is that so many products are being advertised which makes similar claims that the buyer gets confused as to which one is true and which one should be relied upon. For example, we may note similar claims of whiteness or stain removing abilities in competing brands of detergent powder or claims of whiteness of tooth or ‘feelings of freshness’ in competing brands of toothpaste that it is sometimes confusing to us as to which one to buy. …” “4. Encourages Sale of Inferior Products: Advertising does not distinguish between superior and inferior products and persuade people to purchase even the inferior products. …” |