Which propaganda technique tries to convince the reader by citing how many people believe something is true?

Which propaganda technique tries to convince the reader by citing how many people believe something is true?

• A. Testimonial
• B. Appeal to numbers
• C. Emotional appeal
• D. Red herring

Answer: (B)

The technique that aims to persuade the reader by emphasizing how many people believe something to be true is known as the appeal to numbers. This method relies on the idea that a belief is more valid or credible simply because it is widely held. By presenting statistics, surveys, or general consensus, this technique seeks to influence the audience's opinion through the sheer weight of numbers, suggesting that if many people agree on something, it must be correct or worthwhile. This approach plays on the human tendency to perceive popular viewpoints as more legitimate or persuasive, leveraging social proof to enhance its argument.

The technique that aims to persuade the reader by emphasizing how many people believe something to be true is known as the appeal to numbers. This method relies on the idea that a belief is more valid or credible simply because it is widely held. By presenting statistics, surveys, or general consensus, this technique seeks to influence the audience's opinion through the sheer weight of numbers, suggesting that if many people agree on something, it must be correct or worthwhile. This approach plays on the human tendency to perceive popular viewpoints as more legitimate or persuasive, leveraging social proof to enhance its argument.