What fallacy is illustrated by the term "attacking the straw man"?

The term "attacking the straw man" refers to a specific type of fallacy where an individual misrepresents or simplifies an opponent's argument to create a version that is easier to attack or refute. This tactic allows the individual to appear as though they are winning the debate or discussion by countering a position that is not actually held by their opponent. The essence of this fallacy lies in the distortion of the original argument, leading to a misleading representation that does not accurately reflect what was actually said or meant.

In contrast, the other choices relate to different fallacies that do not capture the essence of the straw man argument. Ignoring the main argument while focusing on irrelevant points exemplifies a diversion tactic but does not specifically entail misrepresenting an opponent's stance. Arguing against a popular opinion without evidence speaks more to appealing to popularity rather than changing the nature of an argument. Lastly, using emotional appeals instead of logical reasoning highlights a fallacy that circumvents logical structure, which diverges from the specific mechanism of misrepresentation found in a straw man attack.