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Impact of creative ambiguous cue strategies on consumer purchase decisions


Citation

Nwankwo-Ojionu, Chimeziem Elijah and Adzharuddin, Nor Azura and Waheed, Moniza and Mohd Khir, Azlina and Elijah, Emem Chimeziem (2025) Impact of creative ambiguous cue strategies on consumer purchase decisions. Observatorio, 19 (1). pp. 195-222. ISSN 1646-5954

Abstract

We conducted a study to investigate whether the perceived ambiguity of billboard cues has an impact on evaluation and purchase decisions. In today's era of information overload, brands face difficulties in gaining recognition, and viewers often feel rushed and no longer find displayed advertisements appealing. In order to examine the effect of ambiguous cue advertisements on consumers' purchasing decisions, we designed an experiment as an additional measure. Participants (N = 262) in four experiments: arguments 64 (32 high and 32 low), images 62 (31 high and 31 low), typefaces 64 (32 high and 32 low), and combined 72 (36 high and 36 low). The first, second, third, and fourth experiments revealed a significant effect of ambiguous cues on purchase decisions. Participants exposed to highly ambiguous arguments, images, typeface, and combined ads elicited more favourable purchase decisions. Our study test some of the key predictions of Elaboration Likelihood Model and Strategic ambiguity models with the cues, we discovered that individuals are persuaded by central or peripheral routes based on their capacity and perceptions to elaborate and process the information. Theoretical and practical implications for ambiguous cues in fast food advertisements are discussed.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Communication
Subject: Computer Networks and Communications
Divisions: Faculty of Human Ecology
Faculty of Modern Language and Communication
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.15847/obsOBS19120252470
Publisher: Obercom
Keywords: Ambiguous cues; Artful deviation; Billboard advertisement; Elaboration likelihood model; Rhetorical devices; Strategic ambiguity; Visual features
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Depositing User: Ms. Siti Radziah Mohamed@mahmod
Date Deposited: 22 Apr 2026 23:44
Last Modified: 22 Apr 2026 23:44
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.15847/obsOBS19120252470
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/123356
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