Priming and source credibility effects on individual responses to AMBER and other mediated missing child alerts

Jennifer D. Greer, Po Lin Pan, David Flores, Marti Cecilia Collins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined the effects of the AMBER Alert system, which has become a staple on broadcast outlets throughout the United States. Using an experimental design, researchers examined priming effects (labeling the alert as "AMBER" or generically "missing child") and source credibility (from a branded media outlet or a social networking post) on citizen responses to alerts. Regardless of source, the AMBER label prompted higher participant involvement with a case and higher ratings of message importance. The source cue affected ratings of message quality only.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)295-303
Number of pages9
JournalSocial Science Journal
Volume49
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

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