---
title: "Persuasion — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Persuasion is the set of techniques used to change attitudes or beliefs. Learn the elaboration likelihood model, central vs. peripheral routes, and how AP Psych tests it."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/persuasion"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Persuasion — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Persuasion is a process aimed at changing a person's attitude or behavior toward some event, idea, object, or other person(s), by using written, spoken words or visual tools to convey information, feelings, or reasoning.

## Related Study Guides

- [4.3 Psychology of Social Situations](/ap-psych-revised/unit-4/3-psychology-of-social-situations/study-guide/OrDWs3qPu5UXGpNO)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Central Route Persuasion](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/central-route-persuasion): This involves deeply processing the content of the message in order to be persuaded. For example, reading car reviews before making a purchase.
- [Peripheral Route Persuasion](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/peripheral-route-persuasion): This involves being persuaded in a manner that is not based on the arguments or the message content. For instance, buying a product because your favorite celebrity endorsed it.
- [Cognitive Dissonance Theory](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/cognitive-dissonance-theory): A theory suggesting that we feel discomfort when our beliefs and behaviors are inconsistent with each other, often leading us to change our attitudes to reduce this discomfort.