Framing effects

The concept of framing can help to explain how citizens make sense of political news. Frames can be defined as patterns of interpretation which are used to classify information sensibly and process it efficiently. Framing stresses certain aspects of reality, and pushes others into the background – it has a selective function. In this way, certain attributes, judgments and decisions are suggested.

In this research area, the CPC is involved in a variety of projects covering both theoretical and empirical advances in framing research. Currently, the research group is working on studies that test the conditions under which framing effects occur (moderators), the underlying psychological processes that can explain how frames affect the citizen (mediators), and the longevity and real-life persistence of experimental framing effects. Members also focus on the news framing of topics of EU integration and EU enlargement, and the effects of such frames on public opinion and support for the EU.

Scholars doing work in this domain include:

• Hajo Boomgaarden
• Andreas Schuck
• Rens Vliegenthart
• Claes de Vreese
• Maud Adriaansen
• Rachid Azrout
• Christian Baden
• Matthijs Elenbaas
• Sophie Lecheler
• Anouk van Drunen