The Effects of Exemplification on Perceptions of News Credibility

Abstract

Exemplification (the use of examples) in news stories is a common method of providing information about social phenomena to make stories more interesting to audience members. However, previous research has consistently linked exemplification to highly inaccurate perceptions about the prevalence or severity of a given phenomena. The current study further explored outcomes of exemplification by examining the extent to which the practice influenced perceptions of news credibility. Exemplification of public opinion via layperson quotes was found to differentially affect perceptions of news story credibility. Anecdotal exemplification, however, did not predict credibility ratings. Implications for journalism and democratic participation as well as partisans' preference for congenial coverage in news stories are discussed.