What is a key feature of verbal persuasion?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Verbal persuasion is most effective when it offers realistic feedback that a learner finds credible and specific. In Bandura’s social-cognitive theory, verbal persuasion is one of the social sources that can raise self-efficacy by convincing someone they have the capabilities to succeed; however, its impact depends on the content and perceived credibility of the message.

Relevant concepts:
- Self-efficacy: belief in one’s ability to perform tasks.
- Verbal persuasion: spoken or written encouragement/appraisal from others.
- Source credibility and specificity: whether the persuader is trusted and the feedback is concrete.

Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Define verbal persuasion: communication intended to encourage or appraise someone’s ability.
2. Identify what makes it effective: credibility of speaker + realistic, specific statements about performance or potential.
3. Explain mechanism: realistic feedback provides believable evidence that a person’s skills are improving or are sufficient, which strengthens self-efficacy; unrealistic praise may be discounted and negative comments can reduce confidence.
4. Apply to choices: the option that captures credibility and usefulness is “Realistic feedback.”

Why the correct answer is correct:
Realistic feedback combines encouragement with accurate, specific appraisal (e.g., “You solved 8 of 10 problems and improved your speed; with a bit more practice you’ll reach full mastery”), making the message believable and actionable. Such feedback is more likely to change beliefs about capability than vague praise.

Why other options are incorrect:
- Positive feedback: can help but if it’s vague or unrealistic (“You’re the best!”) it may be discounted and has less effect than realistic feedback.
- Negative feedback: typically undermines self-efficacy and motivation.
- No feedback: gives no persuasive information and thus cannot bolster self-efficacy.

Conclusion: Realistic feedback is the key feature of effective verbal persuasion. This matches the provided answer: Realistic feedback.

What is a key feature of verbal persuasion?Single choice

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