Showing papers by "Sophie Lecheler published in 2013"
TL;DR: This article investigated the role of specific emotions in mediating the framing effect process, and found that while anger and enthusiasm mediate a framing effect, contentment and fear do not, which may indicate that the underlying psychological processes that enable framing effects are also mediated by emotional response.
Abstract: The underlying psychological processes that enable framing effects are often described as cognitive. Yet, recent studies suggest that framing effects may also be mediated by emotional response. The role of specific emotions in mediating the framing effect process, however, has yet to be fully empirically investigated. In an experimental survey design (n = 161), this study tests two positive (enthusiasm and contentment) and two negative emotions (anger and fear) as mediators of framing effects. Our results show that while anger and enthusiasm mediate a framing effect, contentment and fear do not. These findings deepen our understanding of which discrete emotions are relevant when studying mediated framing effects.
85 citations
TL;DR: The results show that exposure to repetitive frames does not systematically strengthen effects on opinion formation, however, effects can get stronger when the delay between two exposures is short.
Abstract: Based on a “classic” framing experiment (N = 1,324), this study empirically mimics the dynamic nature of framing effects over time. We integrate (a) multiple frame exposures as well as (b) various tests for duration of framing effects into our study design. Our results show that exposure to repetitive frames does not systematically strengthen effects on opinion formation. However, effects can get stronger when the delay between two exposures is short. Competitive news framing is characterized by recency effects; that is, the latest frame has the strongest impact on opinion formation. Political knowledge functions as a moderator for both effect mechanisms. Participants with higher levels of political knowledge are less prone to recency effects, but show stronger signs of a cumulative framing effect. The results of this study have important methodological and substantive ramifications for framing effects research, as well as for our understanding of the real-life impact of framed media messages on opinions.
68 citations