DECA Marketing Cluster Practice Exam

What is the term for exaggerated or false praise in advertising?

1. Puffery

2. Media Bias

3. Brand Loyalty

4. Public Relations

The correct answer is: Puffery

The term for exaggerated or false praise in advertising is known as puffery. Puffery refers to the use of subjective opinions, hyperbolic claims, or exaggerated statements that cannot be substantiated, typically seen in marketing and advertising. This practice is often used to attract customers by creating a more appealing image of a product or service than is factually supportable. Because puffery is based on subjective interpretation rather than factual information, it is generally considered legal in advertising, although it must not cross the line into false advertising, which can lead to legal repercussions. Other terms mentioned in the options refer to different marketing concepts. Media bias involves the perceived favoritism of media outlets in presenting news or information, while brand loyalty refers to the tendency of consumers to continuously purchase the same brand based on their positive experiences. Public relations, on the other hand, deals with managing how information about an organization or individual is disseminated to the public, aiming to build a positive image rather than promoting exaggerated claims.