The Effects of an Advertising-Based Intervention on Critical Thinking and Media Literacy

• In Event: 35.079 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Five - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 35.079-1 - Digital Media, Manipulation, and Critical Thinking

Abstract

We report on the effects of a short advertising literacy intervention on third and fourth graders’ advertising knowledge and abilities to evaluate and create valid arguments. A group of students (N=50) were taught about the purpose of advertising and persuasive tactics often used by advertisers. Students participated in tasks that measured changes in their advertising literacy, and other tasks that assessed their ability to evaluate argumentative messages outside the domain of advertising and develop a written persuasive argument. Students showed significant improvements in their advertising knowledge and in their ability to create written arguments.

Authors

• Susie Stanley, Moraine Park Technical College

• Lawson Chris, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee