The Effects of Sensational Language in News on Memory and Attitudes
Date
2015-05
Authors
Bell, Michael A.
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Abstract
The present study investigated whether news presented in a sensational style - using language with higher emotional arousal--influenced the readers' attitudes about the article topic, and their memory and comprehension of the factual information, compared to news presented in a less arousing style. Participants (N = 127) read a sensational or calm version of two online news articles. The dependent variables were a composite Knowledge score, comprised of comprehension and recognition memory scores of the article's factual information, and Attitude Change scores. No differences in the dependent variables were found as a function of the arousal manipulation. Robust interaction effects were found between the stories and the order in which they were read.
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Keywords
Sensational, News, Language, Arousal, Memory, Attitudes, Tabloidization
Citation
Bell, M. A. (2015). The effects of sensational language in news on memory and attitudes (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.