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). <i>The effects of sensational language in news on memory and attitudes</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

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