Priming effects during the financial crisis: accessibility and applicability mechanisms behind government approval. (2nd January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shehata, Adam; Falasca, Kajsa
• Is Part Of: European political science review. Volume 6:Number 4(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 597
• Page End: 620
• Publication Date: 2014-01-02
• Subjects: priming effects, -- accessibility, -- applicability, -- financial crisis, -- economic voting; Politics, Practical -- Europe -- Periodicals; European Union countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 320.09405
• DOI: 10.1017/S1755773913000258
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-7739

Abstract

Abstract : This study investigates priming effects during the global financial crisis that erupted in September 2008. Using two longitudinal data sources on public opinion dynamics in Sweden between 2007 and 2010, we find no evidence of a basic priming hypothesis. Drawing upon the distinction between accessibility and applicability mechanisms, however, additional analysis indicates that priming of economic considerations was moderated by citizens' attributions of responsibility for current economic developments. These results support the notion of priming as a two-step process, whereby heavy news coverage of the financial crisis increases the accessibility of economic considerations among the audience, but whether these considerations are used in government approval assessments depends on their perceived applicability as well.