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Maria Orsini Dissertation.pdf (1.35 MB)

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The Impact of Framing on Drug Policy Opinions: An Online Experiment Investigating Support for Drug Decriminalization

Orsini, Maria M.
http://orcid.org/0009-0005-2681-2490
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1714982085615319

Abstract Details

2024, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Sociology.
Framing research shows that the way issues are presented can shape people’s reactions and opinions. Anti-drug sentiment is deeply woven into the American cultural fabric such that negative framing may easily evoke previously internalized attitudes and discourses. However, it is unclear whether these attitudes could be influenced with an alternative framing of drug issues. This study examines whether framing of drug policy liberalization influences drug policy opinions, specifically whether people would support a decriminalization ballot initiative when presented with positive framing. I conducted an online vignette experiment (N=1,917) through Prolific to measure factors that influence support for drug decriminalization. Audiences were split into 9 groups (8 treatment groups and a control group). The control group was asked only about their support for decriminalization, while the treatment groups first watched a video where an actor playing a scientist detailed why all drugs should be decriminalized. Videos differed in terms of the scientist’s race and his assertion that he personally uses drugs. Four of the treatment groups were then shown negative counter-framing in the form of disparaging social media comments after watching the video and before ranking their support for decriminalization. Results showed that treatment groups only receiving the scientific and positive video primer had significantly higher odds of supporting decriminalization than the control group. However, when shown negative counter-framing, participants had significantly lower odds of supporting decriminalization. Further examination of the intersection between respondent characteristics and framing also revealed some differentiation in effects based on demographics and personal experience such as age, political orientation, and drug use. Qualitative analysis of respondent comments also showed that after viewing positive framing, respondents tended to discuss more favorable aspects and potential benefits of drug decriminalization, such as safer use and lower crime. Conversely, among people viewing negative social media comments, discussions more often centered around fear and concerns about dangerousness of drugs. Respondents who gave positive comments often echoed aspects of the framing provided by the scientist, while those with negative themes contained many sentiments that were similar to those provided in the social media counter-framing. Thus, the vignette experiment shows that both positive framing and negative counter-framing are influential for drug-related discourses and opinions about policy change. The results demonstrate that factual information from reputable sources can sway public opinion toward more humane drug policy, but that social contexts and online environments where negative comments and misinformation are rampant could derail such efforts.
Mike Vuolo (Advisor)
Eric Schoon (Committee Member)
Ryan King (Committee Member)
186 p.
Mass Media; Public Policy; Sociology
framing; drug policy; public opinion; media; decriminalization

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Orsini, M. M. (2024). The Impact of Framing on Drug Policy Opinions: An Online Experiment Investigating Support for Drug Decriminalization [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1714982085615319

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Orsini, Maria. The Impact of Framing on Drug Policy Opinions: An Online Experiment Investigating Support for Drug Decriminalization. 2024. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1714982085615319.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Orsini, Maria. "The Impact of Framing on Drug Policy Opinions: An Online Experiment Investigating Support for Drug Decriminalization." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1714982085615319

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1714982085615319
117
© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.