Effects of news exemplification extended: Considerations of controversiality and perceived future opinion

Abstract

An experimental 3×3 factorial design was used to test the ability of exemplars to prime public opinion on an issue that was controversial, the issue of a prayer in school amendment. The experiment focused on changes in perception of current public opinion and future public opinion as well as changes in personal opinion. Perception of public opinion among Alabamans was affected by a disproportionate distribution of exemplars as was perception of future public opinion nationally. Actual opinion also varied positively with exposure to different exemplar distributions.