According to the Elaboration Likelihood Model, which two routes lead to attitude formation?

The correct answer is based on the principles of the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), which outlines two distinct routes through which attitudes can be formed and changed: the central route and the peripheral route.

In the central route, individuals engage in careful and thoughtful consideration of the persuasive arguments presented. This typically involves high levels of motivation and cognitive engagement, leading to attitude formation based on the logic and quality of the arguments. When a person is highly interested in the topic or finds it personally relevant, they are more likely to process information through this route.

On the other hand, the peripheral route involves a more superficial processing of information. Here, individuals may focus on external cues rather than the message itself, such as the attractiveness or credibility of the speaker, or emotional appeals. This route is often activated when motivation to process information is lower or when the individual lacks the ability to engage with the content deeply, leading to attitudes that are more temporary and susceptible to change.

Understanding these two routes is crucial in the study of how attitudes are formed, as they illustrate the different mechanisms of persuasion and the factors that influence an individual's response to persuasive messages.