Political Communication

Question 1

Power of news media

Answer 1

although news media did not have omnipotent power, they nevertheless exerted moderate but politically significant effects on individual attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors

Question 2

agenda setting

Answer 2

the media tells us what issues are important think about not what to think

e.g. media setting the agenda about trans rights alter our perception of how prevalent the topic is

Question 3

framing

Answer 3

-the notion that how a story is portrayed or packaged can influence how we think about an issue

E.g. BLM protests vs BLM mobs

Question 4

priming

Answer 4

-what you talk about might influence how you think about something
-Media influences the criteria by which people evaluate political leaders and issues

e.g. E.g. biden and age - article headline reminds people that biden is age
-People who wants experience may want older politician
-people who want a fresh perspective may want a younger poltician

E.g. talking about Biden’s age might direct you to think about his age

Question 5

Sprial of silence

Answer 5

the tendency for people to reamin silent when they think their opinion is unpopular

Question 6

How might media influence politics

Answer 6

by altering people’s underlying beliefs

e.g. Extensive news coverage on gas prices can change how voters view the overall political landscape— Even loyal supporters might start prioritizing economic competence when evaluating all candidates (e.g. you now judge a candidate based on economic issues) — This shift in what voters consider important

Question 7

What is the difference between priming and framing?

Answer 7

Priming is about making certain issues, traits, or considerations more salient for people when they evaluate political figures, policies, or situations (can be done by media coverage)

Framing refers to how an issue or event is portrayed, packaged, and given a particular perspective or “frame” by the media. The way an issue is framed can influence how people perceive and interpret that issue. Different frames can lead people to focus on different aspects of the same issue and form different judgments or reactions.

Question 8

what two conditions must be met for persuasion to occur?

Answer 8

1. exposure
2. acceptance