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Threat and Information Acquisition: Evidence from an Eight Country Study

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  • Merolla, Jennifer L.
  • Zechmeister, Elizabeth J.

Abstract

We assess individuals’ responses to news about threat, compared to news about positive indicators of well-being, using data from nine experiments conducted across eight countries. The general proposition is that exposure to news about threat increases tendencies to “tune in” to information, compared to those presented with news about better times. The evidence strongly supports this expectation: without exception, the average respondent recalls and seeks more information about terrorist threat than good times. Further, this pattern of results generalizes to other threats. The study thematically and geographically extends research on negative information and political learning. It also has broader implications: absorbing newsworthy information is foundational to the types of attitudes citizens express and the extent to which, and how, they engage in the world around them.

Suggested Citation

  • Merolla, Jennifer L. & Zechmeister, Elizabeth J., 2018. "Threat and Information Acquisition: Evidence from an Eight Country Study," Journal of Experimental Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 5(3), pages 167-181, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jexpos:v:5:y:2018:i:03:p:167-181_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Seok Joon Kim, 2022. "Quick on the Draw: American Negativity Bias and Costly Signals in International Relations," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 66(2), pages 246-271, February.
    2. Muhammad Farrukh Shahzad & Shuo Xu & Rimsha Baheer, 2024. "Assessing the factors influencing the intention to use information and communication technology implementation and acceptance in China’s education sector," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.

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