Exploring framing effects: The influence of language on thought and society

Each word was chosen to be included in this sentence. Every message, even the most mundane, is created with a specific frame in mind that influences how the message is received.

The study of framing effects is an interdisciplinary study that investigates when, how, and why language influences those who receive messages, and how this influences their responses.

This multifaceted science is highlighted in the latest issue of Psychological Science in the Public Interest. Stephen Flusberg and his team at Vassar College provide a comprehensive review of framing effects research, including a survey of common framing effects and a description of the classification of linguistic framing techniques. Throughout the paper, they argue for the powerful influence that framing has on how society and individuals perceive the world.

“The focus on language control in popular media may reflect a deep concern with and fascination with the power of language in our everyday lives,” the authors write. “We routinely use words to try to influence what other people think, feel, and act.”

For example, using a war metaphor to describe an issue creates a sense of urgency. The terms used to describe war can also shape our beliefs about certain topics. Previous research compared the impact of using the words “battle” and “journey” when talking about cancer. Participants who read stories framed as a battle believed a cancer diagnosis to be fatal more than participants who read stories framed as a journey.

“Metaphors tap into what you know, your cognitive frames, about more concrete and familiar areas like battles and journeys, so you form beliefs about abstract and complex issues like cancer.” “It is particularly effective for

Flusberg was joined by co-authors Kevin Holmes (Reed College), Paul Thibodeau (Oberlin College), Robin Nabi (University of California, Santa Barbara), and Teenie Matlock (University of California, Merced).

The authors conclude their paper with a series of recommendations to consider effective framing and encourage reflection on the role of framing in society.

“A deeper understanding of the psychology of framing can improve not only our communication skills and ability to navigate linguistic environments, but also our prospects for getting things done,” the researchers wrote. “The research we reviewed is a reminder to be careful both with the words and phrases we use ourselves and with words and phrases that grab our attention or evoke a strong emotional response. It is useful as

In a commentary published alongside the paper, James Walsh of the Agency Fund writes that the report argues for a new perspective on the psychology of framing. He explained that frames are not just mental shortcuts, but also play a fundamental role in cognition. Professor Walsh noted that framing research extends beyond psychology, noting its important contributions to economics and government policy.

“Fulsberg and colleagues show that we have made great strides in our understanding of frames over the past 100 years,” Walsh writes. “But new evidence suggests we are just beginning to tap into its full potential. The next 100 years promise to be even more exciting.”