Fallbeispieleffekte

Exemplars are a common stylistic device in journalistic products. This volume provides an overview of the research on the effects of exemplars on users’ conceptions of reality and attitudes. In particular, this line of research considers the stronger effects of exemplars in comparison to more general (e.g., statistical) rather than case-based descriptions of reality. Theoretical explanations of the effects are discussed, the typical methodology of studies on effects of exemplification is explained, and results from this line of research are systematized. Furthermore, the implications of exemplars and of their effects on journalistic practice and competent media reception are assessed.