Exemplification Theory: Judging the Whole by Some of Its Parts

TLDR

Exemplification is a pervasive communication phenomenon that has received limited theoretical attention despite its presence in informative, educational, and persuasive contexts. This essay aims to provide a conceptual analysis of exemplification to integrate diverse research on its effects. The authors examine the link between exemplification and representation, extract and evaluate exemplification strategies, and survey the interface between direct and mediated experience across communication domains.

Abstract

Exemplification is a ubiquitous phenomenon in communication. It permeates informative, educational and persuasive endeavors in both interpersonal exchanges and media presentations. Despite this, it has received little attention in communication research. Although its empirical exploration has begun and shown considerable promise, especially in the news context, a theoretical foundation has been missing. This essay attempts to remedy the neglect by conceptually scrutinizing the exemplification process. The relationship between exemplification and representation is given special attention, and exemplification strategies are extracted and their merits appraised. Exemplification is examined in different domains of communication, and the interface between direct and mediated experience is surveyed in conceptual terms. It is hoped that the analysis will foster a theoretical integration of the conceptually diverse and often eclectic research on exemplification effects.