TY - JOUR
T1 - Exemplification theory
T2 - a review and meta-analysis of exemplar messages
AU - Bigsby, Elisabeth
AU - Bigman, Cabral A.
AU - Martinez Gonzalez, Andrea
PY - 2019/10/22
Y1 - 2019/10/22
N2 - Exemplification theory has been used to explain media and message effects across a variety of domains. However, the theory has been critiqued for lacking empirical support for many of its predictions and underlying assumptions. In this paper, we review exemplification theory, contrast exemplars with narratives, and report the results of a meta-analytical test of one of exemplification theory’s predictions. We found that individuals exposed to messages featuring exemplars reported stronger persuasion outcomes than individuals exposed to base-rate or non-exemplar messages ((Formula presented.) = 0.26, k = 26, N = 5480). Our results provide additional evidence for one of the predictions of exemplification theory, support for the use of exemplars in persuasive messages, and suggest directions for future exemplification research.
AB - Exemplification theory has been used to explain media and message effects across a variety of domains. However, the theory has been critiqued for lacking empirical support for many of its predictions and underlying assumptions. In this paper, we review exemplification theory, contrast exemplars with narratives, and report the results of a meta-analytical test of one of exemplification theory’s predictions. We found that individuals exposed to messages featuring exemplars reported stronger persuasion outcomes than individuals exposed to base-rate or non-exemplar messages ((Formula presented.) = 0.26, k = 26, N = 5480). Our results provide additional evidence for one of the predictions of exemplification theory, support for the use of exemplars in persuasive messages, and suggest directions for future exemplification research.
KW - attitudes
KW - behavioral intentions
KW - behaviors
KW - exemplar
KW - Exemplification theory
KW - message effects
KW - meta-analysis
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85074153653&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1080/23808985.2019.1681903
DO - 10.1080/23808985.2019.1681903
M3 - Review article
SN - 2380-8985
VL - 43
SP - 273
EP - 296
JO - Annals of the International Communication Association
JF - Annals of the International Communication Association
IS - 4
ER -