There are multiple ways that Persuasion is exemplified in the film 12 Angry Men. This paper is a review of the film that asks you to do more than summarize the film. Please use your three pages to discuss Persuasion and our Theories of Persuasion that you noticed while viewing the film.
Since the next section will look at Group Theories, you can also discuss areas of Team dynamics that you noticed in the film.
Select one or two for your discussion of what spoke to you most during your viewing of
the film.
In your review, please be sure to provide specific examples and define the terms or concepts
you are using. Here are a few ideas that you might want to write about:
1. Our text defines persuasion using 3 parts. Did you see examples of the 3-part definition
in the film?
2. Similarly, our text defines “attitude” as an important part of persuasion. Did you notice
instances where “attitude” made a difference in terms of persuasive application?
3. Our first Persuasion Theory is Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). There are 2 methods
or “routes” to persuasion discussed in the text. Did you notice examples of either of
these methods in 12 Angry Men?? How “effective” was the persuasive approach? What
was the “route?” The outcome? Was knowledge of the audience important? Were
rational and logical approaches more persuasive or emotional appeal?
4. Our second Persuasion Theory is the Theory of Planned Behavior. Did you see evidence
of this theory in 12 Angry Men? The theory includes 2 “predictors” of Behavioral
Intention. Did you notice examples of either or both “predictors?” Were any
“incentives” evident in the film? How “effective” was use of this theoretical approach to
persuasion? Outcomes?
5. Our text discusses Inoculation Theory also. Was this theoretical approach used to
persuade in 12 Angry Men? Any use of “inoculation” to help resist a persuasive
influence? Our text discusses 2 components of the Inoculation Message: “threat” and
“refutational preemption.” Did you notice examples of either or both components? How
effective was this theoretical approach? What were outcomes?
6. The last persuasive theory discussed in our text is Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm. Did you
notice use of narrative in 12 Angry Men? What were the “good reasons” used to
persuade others? How “effective” was use of narrative? Were “cooperative” and
“competing” narratives used to connect the persuasive appeal to a “social world?” Any
examples of “organizational narrative?” What about the contrast between narrative and
“rational-logic?” Any of these contrasts evident in the film?
7. More?? Please remember 12 Angry Men was released in 1957. What are some contrasts
you noticed between then and now? Would those persuasive approaches work now?
Chances are good you were offended by some parts of the film. How did that influence
the persuasive elements for you? Did you change your opinions during the film?
Although this should NOT be the focus of your paper, you can certainly discuss the
contrast between time periods. Did the fact that the film was in Black and White change
anything for you? Did you need to read the subtitles? What else seemed “dated?”
Remember 1957.
https://archive.org/details/12AngryMen1957
Link for film above