ELM Elaboration Likelihood Model By: Paul Duncan Comm 165
Elaboration Likelihood Model People make decisions using one of two mental routes. Central and Peripheral
Central Route More “active” route Must have “motivation” and “ability” to think through topic Examples: Weighing Pros and Cons of a romantic relationship
Peripheral Route Less active Mental Short-cut for decision making Adopted when one is unable or unwilling to think through decision Examples: Shopping for orange juice, or walking to class.
Central or Peripheral Route?
What do you think? Central Route. Hopefully, the decision maker is making a careful, well-informed decision. Voting is a very important decision.
To Sum Up Making important decisions should require the use of the central route. Peripheral route is a short of decision making short cut. Used for less important decisions.