Social ______ theory categorizes listener responses to a persuasive message according to latitude of acceptance, latitude of rejection, or latitude of noncommitment

Social Judgment theory categorizes listener responses to a persuasive message according to latitude of acceptance, latitude of rejection, or latitude of noncommitment.

Social Judgment Theory categorizes listener responses to a persuasive message according to three zones: latitude of acceptance, latitude of rejection, and latitude of noncommitment.

1. Latitude of Acceptance: This is the range of ideas that a person sees as reasonable or worthy of consideration. When a persuasive message falls within this range, the person is more likely to be receptive to it.

2. Latitude of Rejection: This is the range of ideas that a person sees as objectionable or unworthy of consideration. Messages falling within this latitude are likely to be strongly opposed or dismissed.

3. Latitude of Noncommitment: This is the range of ideas that a person sees as neither acceptable nor objectionable. When a message falls into this category, the person is neutral and may be unsure or indifferent about the topic.

The Social Judgment Theory suggests that people are more likely to be persuaded by messages that are close to their own existing attitudes, known as the "anchor point." As the message diverges from these preexisting beliefs, persuasion becomes increasingly difficult.