The _____ theory states that persuaders can be effective when they anticipate the objections of the persuadee and address those objections before they arise.

A) inoculation
B) ACE
C) cognitive dissonance
D) social judgment

The theory described in the question is the inoculation theory, which suggests that a persuader can "inoculate" their audience against opposing arguments by addressing potential objections before they are presented. ACE theory focuses on three factors (acceptance, credibility, and esteem) that influence persuasion, cognitive dissonance theory explains the discomfort people feel when they hold conflicting beliefs, and social judgment theory focuses on how people perceive messages and arguments from others.