Predicting the spiral of silence on a controversial public issue

Bibliographic Data

ID7533385
AuthorsCarolyn A Lin (0000-0002-4281-4454, Cleveland State University, corresponding author), Michael B Salwen (University of Miami)
Year1997
Volume8
Issue1
Pages129-141
Publication date1997-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueHoward Journal of Communications (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1064-6175 • E-ISSN: 1096-4649
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10646179709361747
OpenAlexW2086916658
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited18

The “spiral of silence”; hypothesis asserts that media presentations of social issues are often regarded as the barometer for public opinions by the audience. In particular, audiences whose opinions do not coincide with their perceived majority opinion tend to maintain their silence rather than speak out. The present study assesses how different types of perceived public opinion and media climates may affect the spiral of silence dynamic. The issue examined here involves public debate over whether the U.S. should declare English as the official language. Findings from 2 cities provide support for the silence spiral hypothesis

Aesthetics · Affect (linguistics · Art · Media studies · Political science · Politics · Public opinion · Public relations · Silence · Sociology · Communication · Law · Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence · Psychology · Public Relations and Crisis Communication · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology

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