What I say depends on how you ask: Experimental evidence of the effect of framing on the measurement of attitudes

2024/04/04 by Jeffrey R. Bloem, Khandker Wahedur Rahman · 2 voices · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #Psychology of Social Influence #School Choice and Performance #Social and Intergroup Psychology

paper · doi:10.1016/j.econlet.2024.111686

openalex publication_date 2024/04/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/16

Abstract

We use a survey experiment to document the presence of framing effects in the measurement of attitudes. Next, using standard techniques for generating aggregate indices, we find that statement framing can meaningfully influence the relationship of the index with relevant covariates—in some cases changing the magnitude, statistical significance, and even the sign of the estimated relationship. We conclude by discussing how randomizing statement framing across respondents can help address bias in the measurement of attitudes.

Cited by

• Objectifying the Subjective: Cognitive Biases in Topic Interpretations

Discussions

• Interesting Paper by Bloem and Rahman (2024). Framing a question in a negative or in a positive way in a #survey makes a difference. Such framings can change magnitude and stat. significance of relat [bsky, 3 points, 0 comments]
• Hope you read, share, cite. Here is the open-access link to the paper: doi.org/10.1016/j.ec... (14/14) [bsky, 0 points, 0 comments]

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