Linguistic Inference Framing: A Linguistic Category Approach to Framing Crisis

This study proposes Linguistic Inference Framing, a linguistic category approach to framing, which can be used to understand the effects of implicit inference language frames on audience perceptions. Study 1, a 2 (language inference frame: low vs. high) x 2 (replication) experiment, demonstrated that high inference language frame leads to higher attribution perceptions in a corporate crisis. Study 2, a 2 (language inference frame: low vs. high) x 3 (social identity: out-group vs. in-group vs. control) experiment in a political crisis, found main effects of high inference (vs. low) language frame and of social identity on higher attribution, future crisis occurrence and unethical perceptions.

Automated summary

This study proposes a linguistic category approach to framing called Linguistic Inference Framing, which explores the effects of implicit inference language frames on audience perceptions. Study 1 demonstrates that a high inference language frame results in higher attribution perceptions in a corporate crisis. Study 2 shows that high inference language frame and social identity both influence attribution, future crisis occurrence, and unethical perceptions in a political crisis.