analyzing advertising examples

🧪 Quick Study Guide

• ⚛️ Chemical Formulas & Equations: Understanding the ingredients and reactions behind a product is key. Look for simplified or misleading representations.
• 📊 Data Presentation: Watch out for skewed statistics or graphs that exaggerate results. Consider the sample size and control groups (if any).
• 🎯 Target Audience: Ads are designed to appeal to specific groups. What claims are being made, and are they scientifically sound for that group?
• 💰 Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is the advertised benefit worth the cost? Consider potential side effects or environmental impacts not mentioned in the ad.
• ⚖️ Regulatory Compliance: Check if the advertised product adheres to relevant safety and labeling regulations.
• 🔬 Scientific Jargon: Be wary of complicated terms used to confuse rather than inform. Look for evidence-based explanations.
• 🌱 Sustainability: Evaluate whether the advertising makes truthful environmental claims or engages in "greenwashing."

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the MOST important factor to consider when analyzing a chemistry-related advertisement?
   1. A. The attractiveness of the spokesperson.
   2. B. The use of bright colors in the ad.
   3. C. The scientific validity of the claims made.
   4. D. The length of the advertisement.
2. An advertisement for a cleaning product claims it can kill 99.9% of bacteria. What additional information should you look for to evaluate this claim?
   1. A. The type of bacteria tested and the testing conditions.
   2. B. The brand of disinfectant used in the test.
   3. C. The price of the cleaning product.
   4. D. The location where the product is manufactured.
3. An ad for a dietary supplement uses the phrase "scientifically formulated." What should this prompt you to do?
   1. A. Immediately purchase the supplement.
   2. B. Research the specific scientific studies that support the formulation.
   3. C. Assume the product is safe and effective.
   4. D. Contact the manufacturer for a list of ingredients.
4. A skincare ad shows a graph with a dramatic increase in skin hydration after using their product. What should you investigate about this graph?
   1. A. The color scheme of the graph.
   2. B. The font used for the axis labels.
   3. C. The scale of the y-axis and the size of the test group.
   4. D. The company that created the graph.
5. An advertisement claims a fertilizer will increase crop yield by 500%. What is the most important question to ask?
   1. A. What type of crops were tested, and under what conditions?
   2. B. How much does the fertilizer cost per bag?
   3. C. Who is the spokesperson for the fertilizer?
   4. D. What is the expiration date of the fertilizer?
6. An ad promotes a new fuel additive that promises to increase gas mileage. Which aspect should you focus on when evaluating its effectiveness?
   1. A. The testimonials from satisfied customers.
   2. B. Independent, peer-reviewed testing data.
   3. C. The celebrity endorsing the product.
   4. D. The product's packaging design.
7. An advertisement for a new pesticide claims it is "completely safe for the environment." What should raise a red flag about this claim?
   1. A. The pesticide is available at a low price.
   2. B. The pesticide is sold in a green container.
   3. C. The absolute nature of the safety claim, as most pesticides have some environmental impact.
   4. D. The pesticide is manufactured by a large company.