Elaboration Likelihood Analysis

Elaboration likelihood analysis applies Petty and Cacioppo's 1986 Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) to study persuasion through experiments that cross message argument quality with peripheral cues under varying levels of audience motivation and ability to think. It identifies whether attitude change travels the central route — effortful scrutiny of arguments — or the peripheral route, reliance on simple cues like source attractiveness or message length.