The FTC distinguishes between false and misleading advertising and puffery. Define the two categories.

What will be an ideal response?


False and misleading advertising: A Federal Trade Commission policy statement establishes the three-part federal definition of false and misleading advertising: (1) First, there must be a representation, omission, or practice that is likely to mislead the consumer. (2) Second, we examine the practice from the perspective of a consumer acting reasonably in the circumstances. If the representation or practice affects or is directed primarily to a particular group, the commission examines reasonableness from the perspective of that group. (3) Third, the representation, omission, or practice must be a “material” one. The basic question is whether the act or practice is likely to affect the consumer’s product choice or purchase. Puffery: advertising that exaggerates the merits of products or services in such a way that no reasonable person would take the claim seriously.

Communication & Mass Media

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Identify a disadvantage of open questions.

A. They allow respondents to withhold important information that they feel is sensitive or dangerous. B. They obtain too little information. C. They polarize answers. D. They allow respondents to select an answer or say yes or no without knowing anything about a topic.

Communication & Mass Media

Answer the following statements true (T) or false (F)

1. It is always preferable to use concrete language over abstract language. 2. Generally, women are politer in their speech and use more indirect statements when making requests than do men. 3. All self-enhancement involves deception. 4. Disconfirmation is the same as disagreeing with someone.

Communication & Mass Media

The television technology that was as monumental as the switch from black and white to color is ________

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Communication & Mass Media

Because rhetoric has the potential to help or harm us, to elevate or debase ideas, and to make or break careers, it is seen as ____________

A) pragmatic B) powerful C) purposive D) poetic

Communication & Mass Media