Introduction
Imagine a world where individuals struggle to focus on the task, act impulsively without thinking, and constantly feel restless and on edge. This is the reality for millions living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website on ADHD (2021) states that this disorder can affect individuals of all ages and provides information about its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
In this essay, a rhetorical analysis of the CDC website will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of its communication strategy. The writers’ purposes, audience, genre, and style will be analyzed, and the website’s rhetorical appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos will be considered. The CDC’s webpage on ADHD effectively utilizes ethos, pathos, and logos to educate and inform its audience about the disorder’s nature, causes, and treatment.
Goals and Audience of the CDC Website on ADHD
The CDC website on ADHD aims to provide reliable information on the disorder to those affected. The information includes signs, symptoms, types, causes, diagnosis, treatments, and management. An instance of the website’s primary audience is the “What is ADHD?” section, which mentions that ADHD can affect individuals of all ages and includes information about the prevalence of the disorder in different demographic groups.
The website’s primary audience includes individuals and families affected by ADHD, as it provides information about the prevalence and impact of the disorder on various population groups. The website presents information clearly and in an organized manner, utilizing lists, tables, and charts. This helps to make the website accessible to a general audience and promotes understanding and seeking appropriate treatment for ADHD.
Ethos: Establishing Credibility on the CDC’s Webpage on ADHD
The CDC website establishes its ethos, or credibility, through its association with a reputable government agency. The website prominently displays the CDC logo and includes a link to the agency’s mission statement, emphasizing its commitment to public health and scientific research. The website also includes links to research studies and other resources that further establish its credibility and expertise in the field of ADHD.
By highlighting the agency’s expertise and authority, the website establishes itself as a reliable source of information about ADHD. To support this analysis, research on the role of ethos in public health communication can be consulted. Oeppen Hill (2019) argues that ethos is fundamental in this context, as it can influence individuals’ trust in and acceptance of health information. In the case of the CDC website, the use of ethos helps to establish the website as a credible source of information about ADHD, which can increase the likelihood that individuals will seek treatment and follow recommended care.
Pathos: Using Emotion to Persuade on the CDC’s Webpage on ADHD
The CDC website also effectively appeals to its audience’s emotions through the use of pathos. For example, the website includes a section on the impact of ADHD on individuals and their families, emphasizing the challenges and stigma associated with the disorder. By highlighting the personal and social consequences of ADHD, the website appeals to its audience’s emotions, encouraging them to consider the importance of seeking treatment and support. This use of pathos is supported by research on the role of emotion in public health communication.
Shaaban and Rabie (2022) argue that emotion can be a powerful motivator, influencing individuals’ attitudes and behaviors related to health. By evoking emotional responses in its audience, the CDC website may be more effective at persuading individuals to seek help and support for ADHD. The website’s use of pathos is also evident in the use of personal stories and testimonials from individuals with ADHD and their families, which help to humanize the disorder and create a sense of connection with the audience.
Logos: Using Logical Reasoning on the CDC’s Webpage on ADHD
Finally, the CDC website employs logos and logical reasoning to present information about ADHD in a clear and organized manner. The website is divided into sections that cover different aspects of the disorder, including its definition, symptoms, and treatment options. The information is presented logically and straightforwardly within each section, using lists, tables, and charts to illustrate key points.
The website also features interactive tools and resources, including quizzes and decision aids, that enable users to actively engage with the information and apply it to their specific situation. By presenting information clearly and logically, the website helps its audience understand the complexities of ADHD and make informed treatment decisions. This use of logos is consistent with research on the role of logic in public health communication. Michelini et al. (2022) argue that logical reasoning can effectively convey complex information and persuade individuals to adopt recommended behaviors. By using logos to present information about ADHD, the CDC website may be more effective at helping its audience understand and manage the disorder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rhetorical analysis of the CDC website reveals that it is a valuable resource for individuals affected by ADHD. The site skillfully applies ethos, pathos, and logos to explain the disorder’s characteristics, origins, and treatment to its audience. Its clear and logical presentation of information helps to promote understanding and encourage individuals to seek appropriate treatment.
The CDC website aims to provide accurate and reliable information about ADHD to individuals, families, and healthcare professionals. It presents information from qualified experts and highlights the disorder’s impact on individuals and their families. The website’s audience is primarily individuals and families affected by ADHD and healthcare professionals treating the disorder. It is a public document published by a government agency, featuring an informative andstraightforward style that utilizes lists, tables, and charts. The website promotes understanding and seeking appropriate treatment for ADHD.
References
CDC. (2021). What is ADHD? Web.
Michelini, G., Norman, L. J., Shaw, P., & Loo, S. K. (2022). Treatment biomarkers for ADHD: Taking stock and moving forward. Translational Psychiatry, 12(1). Web.
Oeppen Hill, J. H. (2019). Logos, ethos, pathos and the marketing of higher education. Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, 30(1), 87–104. Web.
Shaaban, S. A. M., & Rabie, R. G. (2022). Review revision techniques tools for undergraduate business students within the framework of ethos, pathos, and logos. Journal of Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, 20(5), 160–175. Web.