Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
7) What is the difference between social influence and persuasion? How do they influence individuals differently? Discuss.(250 words)
Ethics by Lexicon publications
Why this question:
The question is about comparing persuasion and social influence.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in detail the difference between persuasion and social influence and how each of them impact individuals differently.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define persuasion and social influence.
Body:
Explain what is the difference between social influence and persuasion – Influence is the ability to make someone do something through the use of one’s resources (wealth, social status, or power). “Having influence over someone or something” simply means through the means of your resources and how you distribute/ use them people will do your bidding because you have something of value to them.
Persuasion is the ability to make someone do something through the use of words to manipulate their thoughts, behavior, and actions. While, you need large amounts of resources to truly influence anyone or anything- anyone can have the ability to persuade. Persuasion in itself is a tool/ and or a resource to use towards a goal.
Quote examples to substantiate how the two elements can influence an individual in different ways.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.