ERIC Number: EJ728892
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Jan
Pages: 19
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-3989
EISSN: N/A
The Interplay of News Frames on Cognitive Complexity
Shah, Dhavan V.; Kwak, Nojin; Schmierbach, Mike; Zubric, Jessica
Human Communication Research, v30 n1 p102-120 Jan 2004
This research considers how distinct news frames work in combination to influence information processing. It extends framing research grounded in prospect theory (Tversky & Kahneman, 1981) and attribution theory (Iyengar, 1991) to study conditional framing effects on associative memory. Using a 2 x 3 experimental design embedded within a probability survey (N = 379), tests examined the effects of two different frame dimensions--loss-gain and individual-societal--on the complexity of individuals' thoughts concerning the issue of urban growth. Findings indicate that news frames interact to generate more or less complex cognitive responses, with societal-gain frame combinations generating the most detailed cognitions about the causes, components, and consequences of urban growth. Directions for research on media framing are discussed.
Descriptors: Probability, Urbanization, Information Processing, Attribution Theory, Mass Media Effects, Cognitive Processes, Responses, Social Influences, Association (Psychology)
Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP UK. Tel: +44 1865-353907; Fax: +44 1865-353485; e-mail: jnls.cust.serv@oxfordjournals.org; Web site: http://hcr.oxfordjournals.org/.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A