Message Explanations



Message One: The first message displays the classical conditioning approach of pairing my advertisement with an attractive person and a suggestive title. The idea was to associate my message with a stimulus that already produces a positive response.

Message Two: The second message draws from a similar idea instead this time the image is of a happy child wearing a seat belt. The image paired with the phrase is meant to bring up notions of one's family and loved ones and shows that seat belts can ensure their safety.

Message Three: This message uses the behavioralist principle of intensity showing a perceptually intense image in order to create a stronger response. The image of someone being fatally thrown around their car during a car crash is a strong image which serves as a reminder of the possible consequences.

Message Four: My idea for a subliminal message, if these actually worked, is to create a non threatening advertisement that lasts a split second that only involves the visual and auditory stimulus of using a seat belt. It would hopefully inspire people to simply use them in order to satisfy their urge to hear the click of a seat belt or the message would have implanted the idea of using one that it would simply become second nature.

Message Five: This message involves an advertisement in which James Dean endorses safe driving through giving testimony on his experience as a race car driver. He also adds that it is important not to speed while on the highways and to be attentive at all times. James Dean's reputation as some what of a rebel and a long time symbol of what has been considered "cool" I think helps to strengthen the case for safe driving. I also added a picture of James Deans Car Wreck which shows that it doesn't just take safe driving to keep you safe, you need to wear a seat belt too.

Message Six: With this message I thought it would be important to include those who oversee the seat belt law and to include the other consequence for not wearing one, getting a ticket. A police officer I feel provides the authority to persuade people to start wearing seat belts as well as demonstrates the fact that it's not only your life in danger, it's your wallet, and your driving record.

Reference Pages

http://www.anapolschwartz.com/practices/seat-belt-failure/seatbelt-statistics.asp

http://www.miamicountyin.gov/Departments/Sheriff/SeatBeltFacts.htm

http://www.car-accidents.com/pages/seat_belts.html

http://www.jmu.edu/safetyplan/vehicle/generaldriver/safetybelt.shtml