Candidate Images

Stereotyping and the 1976 Debates

Datos Bibliográficos

ID7499271
AutoresJohn E Bowes (University of Washington, autor de correspondencia), Herbert Strentz (Drake University)
Año1978
Volumen2
Número1
Páginas391-406
Fecha de publicación1978-12-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaAnnals of the International Communication Association (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2380-8977 • E-ISSN: 2380-8985
EditorialTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23808985.1978.11923738
OpenAlexW2765543268
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas7

The process of formation and change in images of political candidates is described in terms of stereotyping of candidate attributes and issues. Four stereotyping components are described and examined: homogenization, polarization, fixedness, and reification. A fifth variable, issue congruity, is also examined. The rotating panel of approximately 200 students was questioned on four occasions (August through October, 1976) in order to bracket each of the three televised debates. Polarization and reification explain the most variance in candidate images. Their strongest stereotyping effects are upon candidate attributes rather than issues. The debates themselves showed little impact on attributes, though the effects of direct exposure were difficult to separate from commentary and conversation about the debates as “events.” Sources most influential in altering attributes were largely personal or organizational. The influence of direct contact with politicians was quite pronounced

Conversation · Epistemology · Polarization (electrochemistry · Political science · Politics · Reification (Marxism · Media Studies and Communication · Psychology · Social and Cultural Dynamics · Social Media and Politics · Communication · Law · Philosophy · Social Psychology