Objective:
The present study sought to determine the extent to which the message or messenger is more important for news media portrayal of gun violence prevention. Exploratory analyses also examined factors related to Fox News and MSNBC credibility. We then examined which factors were associated with how accurate participants perceived the headlines to be. By far the most influential factor was the perceived credibility of the news source, meaning that if an individual trusts a particular source, they will assume what that source is saying is true. This speaks to the importance of specific news sources voicing data-driven information on gun violence prevention.
Method:
In this nationally representative sample (n=3,500), all individuals received the same two mock headlines: “Gun violence is a mental health issue” and “Storing a firearm in a safe can help prevent suicide.” Half of the participants were randomized to be told that the first headline was from MSNBC.com and the second from FoxNews.com while the other half was randomized to be told the reverse in terms of headline source.
Project Status:
Completed
Principal Investigator (PI):
Shelby L. Bandel, MS
Co-Investigators:
Michael D. Anestis, PhD, Allison E. Bond, MA, Craig J. Bryan, PsyD ABPP