Title: TV to Talking Point: How Frames in Entertainment Television Persuade Public Opinion
Committee: Dr. Toby Bolsen, Chair, and Dr. Lakeyta Bonnette
Accepted: August 2015
Abstract: How do messages in entertainment media affect our political attitudes? In this paper, I present a theory of entertainment media effects, such that frames in entertainment television shows may induce political attitude change in viewers. Due to increased personal connection with characters and the narrative in an entertainment television program, I predict that resistance to new ideas and motivated reasoning will decrease and persuasion through framing effects will increase in viewers.
Alexandra C. Pauley 