EFFECTS OF NEWS EXEMPLIFICATION EXTENDED - CONSIDERATIONS OF CONTROVERSIALITY AND PERCEIVED FUTURE OPINION

An experimental 3x3 factorial design was used to test the ability of e xemplars to prime public opinion on an issue that was controversial, t he issue of a prayer in school amendment. The experiment focused on ch anges in perception of current public opinion and future public opinio n as well as changes in personal opinion. Perception of public opinion among Alabamans was affected by a disproportionate distribution of ex emplars as was perception of future public opinion nationally. Actual opinion also varied positively with exposure to different exemplar dis tributions.