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Two Explanations for Negativity Effects in Political Behavior

Bibliographic Data

ID6232207
AuthorsRichard R Lau (0000-0002-5412-8777, corresponding author)
Year1985
Volume29
Issue1
Pages119
Publication date1985-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Political Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0092-5853 • E-ISSN: 1540-5907
PublisherJSTOR (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2307/2111215
OpenAlexW2318596165
LanguageEN
Citations received287
References cited18

Evidence is provided for two different types of negativity effects in political behavior, a perceptual figure-ground negativity based on the greater salience of negative information in a largely positive world, and a motivational cost orientation negativity based on the survival value of avoiding costs rather than approaching gains. It is argued that the perception of presidential candidates is affected by both types of negativity effects, but that negativity in congressional elections is based solely on perceptual processes. The implications of these two different types of negativity effects for the future of American politics are discussed

Cognitive psychology · Negativity bias · Negativity effect · Perception · Political science · Politics · Presidential system · Salience (neuroscience · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Experimental Behavioral Economics Studies · Neuroscience · Psychology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works287
Citations per year5,13
Citation span1970 - 2026 (57)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 285

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