Is advertising science or art?

Paul Feldwick

Arguments regarding the effectiveness of advertising are often based upon differences of opinion regarding the importance of artistic concerns such as creativity and originality on the one hand, and taking a more scientific and academic approach on the other.

Is Advertising Science or Art?

Paul Feldwick

INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY

In 1901 Walter Dill Scott, a professor of psychology at Northwestern University, accepted an invitation to address the Agate Club of Chicago, an association of prominent businessmen (and yes, in those days you can bet they were men). His subject was 'The psychology of involuntary attention as applied to advertising'. The talk was a success. Scott was invited back to give a series of lectures on the psychology of advertising, which were later published in a magazine and appeared in 1903 as a book The Psychology of Advertising–...

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