Applying Social Cognition

Abstract
Valence of information favorable *vs. unfavorable) and type of `information (case history, base rate, anchoring) were examined in a content analysis of newspaper coverage of the Bakke case in 12 major papers. Taken as a whole, coverage was not biased. Examination of the frequency of information types, however, revealed disproportionate amounts of case history information favorable to Bakke and anchoring information unfavorable to his position. It is suggested that the differential use of information types in coverage of the Bakke case as well as other social issues may bias public opinion.

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