What type of argument technique seeks to persuade by appealing to common belief or group opinion?

Study for the GACE Middle Grades Language Arts Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

The technique that seeks to persuade by appealing to common belief or group opinion is known as the bandwagon appeal. This rhetorical strategy relies on the idea that if many people believe something to be true or are doing something, then it must be correct or acceptable. By suggesting that joining the majority or popular opinion is a way to validate one's choices, the bandwagon technique effectively plays on the desire for acceptance and belonging within a group. This makes it a powerful persuasive tool in both written and spoken arguments, as it encourages individuals to adhere to the consensus rather than critically evaluating the evidence for themselves.

The other options, such as false cause, refer to a logical fallacy where one assumes that one event directly causes another without sufficient evidence. Fallacy is a broader term that encompasses various errors in reasoning, rather than a specific persuasive technique. Rhetoric refers to the art of persuasive speaking or writing in general, rather than a specific strategy targeting common belief.

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