Abstract
A news report on the use of Lean Finley Textured Beef (LFTB) was created in order to examine the effects of exemplars. Respondents read a news story with exemplars about Lean Finely Textured Beef, a story with exemplars about LFTB followed by a factual government blog, or a factual government blog and then the story with exemplars. Respondents reported their perceptions of severity, susceptibility, and behavioral intentions. Outcomes were found to be highest for the exemplar-only condition and lowest for the blog followed by the story with exemplar. Results are discussed in terms of implications for public relations and risk communication.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Patric R. Spence
Patric R. Spence is an Associate Professor in the Division of Instructional Communication and Research, Division of Risk Sciences in the College of Communication and Information at the University of Kentucky.
Kenneth A. Lachlan
Kenneth A. Lachlan is an Associate Professor in Department of Communication at the University of Connecticut.
Xialing Lin
Xialing Lin is a Doctoral student in the College of Communication and Information at the University of Kentucky.
Deborah D. Sellnow-Richmond
Deborah D. Sellnow-Richmond is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Communication at Wayne State University.
Timothy L. Sellnow
Timothy L. Sellnow is a Professor in the Department of Information Communication Technology and Division of Risk Sciences, in the College of Communication and Information at the University of Kentucky.