Wiest, S. L., Raymond, L., & Clawson, R. A. (2015). Framing, partisan predispositions, and public opinion on climate change.

Title: Framing, partisan predispositions, and public opinion on climate change Authors: Wiest, S. L., Raymond, L., & Clawson, R. A. Publication Year: 2015

Summary:

In this article, Wiest, Raymond, and Clawson investigated the effects of framing and partisan predispositions on public opinion related to climate change. The authors conducted an experimental study where participants were exposed to different frames (i.e., ways of presenting information) about climate change, including economic, national security, public health, and environmental frames.

The results indicated that the way climate change issues were framed significantly influenced public opinion. Participants who were exposed to the public health frame showed the highest levels of concern and support for climate change mitigation policies. The economic frame, on the other hand, generated the least amount of concern and policy support. Furthermore, the study found that partisan predispositions played a substantial role in shaping individuals' responses to different frames, with Democrats generally being more responsive to climate change frames than Republicans.

The authors concluded that framing climate change in terms of public health can be an effective strategy for increasing public concern and support for mitigation policies. However, they also emphasized the importance of considering partisan predispositions when crafting communication strategies, as different political groups may respond differently to various frames.