Propaganda Techniques

Transfer is a technique used in propaganda and advertising. Also known as association, this is a technique of projecting positive or negative qualities (praise or blame) of a person, entity, object, or value (an individual, group, organization, nation, patriotism, etc.) to another in order to make the second more acceptable or to discredit it. It evokes an emotional response, which stimulates the target to identify with recognized authorities. Often highly visual, this technique often utilizes symbols superimposed over other visual images.

Snob appeal refers to the qualities or attributes of a product that might appeal to a consumer with "snobby" tastes. It may refer to the actual product itself or the exclusivity the consumer could potentially experience as a result of owning the product that is being advertised.

Repetition. The product name or keyword or phrase is repeated several times.

"Plain Folks" is a form of propaganda and is also a fallacy. A Plain Folks argument is one in which the speaker presents him or herself as an Average Joe, a common person who can understand and empathize with a listener's concerns.

Bandwagon advertising uses a group mentality to try to convince individual consumers that a product is worth purchasing. The idea is that if it is good enough for the group, then it is good enough for you. There have been many examples of bandwagon advertising propaganda techniques used over the years.

Misuse of statistics occurs when a statistical argument asserts a falsehood. In some cases, the misuse may be accidental. In others, it is purposeful and for the gain of the perpetrator.

A glittering generality (also called glowing generality) is an emotionally appealing phrase so closely associated with highly valued concepts and beliefs that it carries conviction without supporting information or reason. Such highly valued concepts attract general approval and acclaim.

Name calling is a cognitive bias and a technique to promote propaganda. Propagandists use the name-calling technique to incite fears or arouse positive prejudices with the intent that invoked fear (based on fearmongering tactics) or trust will encourage those that read, see or hear propaganda to construct a negative opinion, in respect to the former, or a positive opinion, with respect to the latter, about a person, group, or set of beliefs or ideas that the propagandist would wish the recipients to believe. The method is intended to provoke conclusions and actions about a matter apart from an impartial examinations of the facts of the matter.