---
title: "Elaboration-Likelihood Model — AP Psych Definition"
description: "The Elaboration-Likelihood Model explains persuasion through two routes: central (deep thinking about arguments) and peripheral (surface cues). Key for Topic 9.2."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/elaboration-likelihood-model"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Elaboration-Likelihood Model — AP Psych Definition

## Definition

The Elaboration-Likelihood Model is a theory in psychology that describes how attitudes are formed and changed through different routes of persuasion, namely the central route and the peripheral route.

## Related Study Guides

- [9.2 Attitude Formation and Attitude Change](/ap-psych-revised/unit-9/attitude-formation-attitude-change/study-guide/OEE3Xfa7koIyhk9SKeRC)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Cognitive Dissonance](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/cognitive-dissonance): This refers to the mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time.
- Heuristic Persuasion: This is a method of persuasion that utilizes simple, efficient rules drawn from experience or learned strategies called heuristics.
- [Social Influence](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/social-influence): This term refers to how individuals change their behavior to meet the demands of a social environment. It takes many forms including conformity, socialization, peer pressure, obedience, leadership etc.