Abstract

IGARTUA, Juan-José et al. Framing Immigration in the News and its Socio-Cognitive Effects. Palabra Clave [online]. 2008, vol.11, n.1, pp.87-107. ISSN 0122-8285.

This article outlines the results of an experimental study on the socio-cognitive effects of the way immigration is framed in the news. The sample included 355 students at the University of Salamanca (Spain), who were distributed at random among four treatments or versions of the news they received. The news in question, which offered information on the increase in immigration in Spain, was manipulated in two ways: a) news framed in light of the positive or negative consequences of immigration (economic contribution/ increase in delinquency); b) origin of immigrants: Latin American (judged positively by public opinion in Spain) or Moroccan (judged negatively). The way the news is framed was found to have significant socio-cognitive effects. Mention of the origin of immigrants was found to have an indirect effect on the dependent variables under consideration.

Keywords : Immigration; the mass media; news; social problem; Spain; public reaction.

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