Framing effects refer to the way in which the presentation of information can affect how people make decisions. For example, how information is described or emphasized can influence how people perceive it.
This can happen on purpose, like in advertising, or by accident, like in news articles. Framing effects can have a big impact on things like healthcare and politics. Knowing about framing effects can help people make better decisions and be aware of how information is being presented to the
Framing effect is a type of cognitive bias where people react differently to the same information depending on how it is presented. The best way to illustrate this is through an example. Suppose you have the chance to increase your income by 90% or you can have a 10% chance to have the same income.
30 Framing Examples.
1. Disease Outbreak Response:
In public health, the framing of information can greatly influence how people perceive and respond to a disease outbreak. For example, stating that “500,000 people could die without intervention” creates a different response than saying “with intervention, we could save 500,000 lives.”
2. Retirement Savings:
A financial advisor might frame a retirement savings plan as either “you will have enough money to live comfortably when you retire” or “you risk running out of money during your retirement”. Even though both statements refer to the same situation, the negative framing might motivate individuals to save more.
3. Environmental Conservation:
The way environmental messages are framed can impact how people perceive and react to them. For example, “Save 10% on your energy bill by using energy-efficient appliances” might be more effective than “Prevent the waste of energy by using energy-efficient appliances.”
4. Job Market:
In the job market, employers often frame the job conditions differently. For example, one could say “this job offers a 30% chance of promotion within the first two years” or “this job offers a 70% chance you will remain in the same position within the first two years”. Both convey the same information, but framed differently.
5. Medical Procedures:
A doctor might say, “There’s a 1% chance of complications” or “There’s a 99% chance the procedure will go smoothly”. Both are true, but each one is framed differently and could affect a patient’s decision.
6. Insurance Policies:
An insurance company might emphasize the peace of mind you’ll have knowing that you’re covered in case of an accident, instead of focusing on the cost of the policy. The framing here emphasizes the benefits rather than the cost.
7. Smoking Health Risks:
Health warnings can be framed differently. For example, “If you smoke, you’re 30% more likely to develop lung cancer” versus “If you don’t smoke, you’re 70% less likely to develop lung cancer”. Both mean essentially the same thing, but might be perceived differently.
8. Education:
In education, a teacher might tell their students “you’ve answered 8 out of 10 questions correctly” instead of “you’ve answered 2 questions incorrectly”. This positive framing can boost students’ self-confidence.
9. Food Labeling:
A food product might be labeled as “90% fat-free” instead of “contains 10% fat”. Even though both statements are true, the first one uses positive framing and might be more appealing to consumers.
10. Marketing Strategies:
A store might advertise a discount as “save $50” rather than “spend $150”. The first framing emphasizes saving money, which is generally seen as more attractive to shoppers.
11. Safety Precautions:
The framing of safety precautions can influence people’s behaviors. For instance, saying “Wearing a seatbelt can save your life in case of an accident” might be more compelling than saying “Not wearing a seatbelt can cause death in an accident.”
12. Vaccinations:
Health officials might state “Vaccines are 95% effective in preventing disease” instead of “There’s a 5% chance you might still get sick after vaccination.” Both are true, but the first positively frames the benefits of vaccination.
13. Exercise and Health:
Promoting physical activity can be framed as “Walking for 30 minutes a day reduces your risk of heart disease by 20%” versus “Not walking regularly increases your risk of heart disease.” The first framing emphasizes the positive impact of action.
14. Charitable Donations:
Charities might frame their pleas as “Your donation can help us save lives” versus “Without your donation, people could die.” The first statement focuses on the positive outcome of donating.
15. Weight Loss Programs:
Programs can be framed as “Lose 10 pounds in a month” instead of “Avoid gaining more weight.” The first statement is positively framed and emphasizes potential success.
16. Tax Payments:
A government might frame tax compliance as “Pay your taxes on time and avoid penalties” instead of “Failure to pay taxes can lead to penalties.” The first framing is solution-oriented.
17. Climate Change:
The framing of climate change messages can impact public response. Saying “By reducing carbon emissions, we can prevent global temperature rise” is likely to encourage more action than “Failure to reduce emissions will lead to temperature rise.”
18. Digital Privacy:
A tech company might say “Our new privacy settings give you more control over your personal data” instead of “Not using our new privacy settings could lead to your data being exposed.” The positive framing emphasizes empowerment.
19. Hygiene Practices:
Public health messages might say “Washing your hands regularly helps prevent disease spread” instead of “Not washing your hands increases disease spread.” The positive framing encourages better hygiene.
20. Home Ownership:
Real estate ads might say “Owning a home increases your net worth” instead of “Renting a home does not contribute to your net worth.” The positive framing emphasizes the benefits of home ownership.
21. Product Returns:
A store might emphasize a positive return policy by saying, “We guarantee a full refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied,” rather than stating, “Returns are only accepted within 30 days.”
22. Performance Reviews:
A manager might frame feedback as, “You’ve made great progress in these areas, but here’s where you can improve,” instead of saying, “You’ve failed to meet expectations in these areas.”
23. Diet Choices:
A nutritionist might frame advice as, “Including more fruits and vegetables in your diet can enhance your health,” instead of saying, “Eating too much processed food can harm your health.”
24. Physical Activity:
Fitness instructors might motivate with, “Regular exercise can increase your lifespan,” rather than, “If you don’t exercise, you might die sooner.”
25. Online Security:
Online services might frame their security measures as, “We protect your personal data from hackers,” rather than, “If we don’t protect your data, hackers might steal it.”
26. Energy Conservation:
Public service announcements could state, “Turning off lights when not in use can save energy,” instead of saying, “Leaving lights on wastes energy.”
27. Water Conservation:
Messages about water conservation can be framed as, “Using less water helps preserve our natural resources,” instead of, “If you use too much water, you’re depleting our natural resources.”
28. Investing:
Financial advisors might frame investing as, “Investing can grow your wealth over time,” instead of, “If you don’t invest, you might lose money due to inflation.”
29. Workplace Safety:
Employers could frame safety practices as, “Wearing protective gear can prevent injuries,” rather than, “Not wearing protective gear can lead to injuries.”
30. Travel:
Travel companies might frame their packages as, “Explore new cultures and broaden your horizons,” instead of saying, “If you don’t travel, you’ll miss out on cultural experiences.”
What would you choose?
Most people would pick 90% when, in fact, they are the same. The positive, bigger number frames the offer in a beneficial way
Framing effects are cognitive biases that will affect how people process information. It is defined as the way in which people are influenced by the way information is presented to them. In other words, framing effects occur when a person’s interpretation of an event or issue is dependent on how it was presented to them.
A Simple Framing Effects Example.
Framing effects can have a significant impact on how people understand and process information. For example, people who are presented with two options, A and B, where A is described as being “good” and B is described as being “bad,” are more likely to choose option A, even if option B is actually the better choice.
This is because people tend to avoid choosing options that are described in negative terms.
Framing effects can also influence people’s perceptions of risk; for instance, research has shown that people are more likely to perceive a risky activity as being more dangerous when it is framed as having a high probability of causing harm than when it is framed as having a low probability of causing harm. More Framing Effects Examples.
A simple reframing framing of a question or answer will change people’s minds and opinions. An example: People are more likely to buy a product if they think it is better for them. A study found that people are more likely to buy a product that they thought was 75% fat-free rather than 25% fat-free.
Try as they might, the lottery can’t erase the fact that your chances of ever winning one of their jackpots is 1 in 45 million. The advertisers know this, so they never frame it that way. Think back to the last time you saw a lottery advertisement, what did you see or hear? Vacations, fast cars, big houses – advertisers change your frame of mind so that you buy into the idea.
Another example of framing effects, if you give a person the choice of two investments and present the first one with a positive frame and the second with a negative frame, they are more likely to pick the first investment. The second investment will be seen as less attractive and may not be chosen at all.
Tip
When someone tries to explain an issue to you, they may be biased. When someone tries to explain an issue, they are not just trying to tell you the truth as it is – they’re trying to shape your opinions. This is because when we try to make arguments, we always start with assumptions that support our point of view. So always think about how an argument is being framed.
Another tip on the framing effect is to take in as much information as you can and consider the perspective of the person.
It’s important to have people around you who are thinking critically about the topic and asking difficult questions.
How do you frame something in psychology?
In psychology, framing refers to how a message or situation is presented in order to affect the way people perceive it. This can include things like the wording used, the context, and the emphasis placed on different elements. For example, instead of saying “9 out of 10 people survive this surgery,” a hospital might frame the same statistic as “1 out of 10 people die from this surgery.”
This slight change in framing can alter people’s perception of the risk involved. Similarly, the way a mental health condition is described or portrayed in the media can have an impact on how it is viewed by society.
Framing is an important consideration in psychology because it shows the power of language and presentation in shaping people’s attitudes and beliefs. It is important for psychologists to be aware of framing and to use it carefully and ethically in their work.
What is a Negative Framing Effect Example?
The negative framing effect is a cognitive bias that occurs when people tend to be more responsive to negative information or events than positive ones.
This effect highlights the importance of the way information is presented to individuals, as it can impact their decision-making process.
An example of the negative framing effect is a marketing campaign for a product that focuses on the potential risks of not using the product instead of emphasizing the benefits. This approach can create fear in the consumer’s mind, making them more likely to purchase the product to avoid possible negative consequences.
In this sense, the negative framing effect can be a powerful tool in marketing and advertising, but it can also be misleading if it is not presented objectively. Therefore, individuals should be aware of this bias and carefully consider the information presented before making any decisions.
What is a positive farming effect example?
A positive farming effect in marketing can be seen in the rise of organic farming. With more consumers becoming health-conscious and environmentally aware, the demand for organic produce has increased, driving up sales for farmers who specialize in this area.
As a result, marketing efforts have shifted towards promoting the benefits of organic farming and the impact it has on the environment and personal health. This has led to more partnerships between farmers and retailers, as well as increased visibility on social media and other digital platforms.
The rise of organic farming has also led to the development of new technologies and farming techniques, further enhancing the quality of products and increasing their appeal to consumers. The positive farming effect in marketing has not only boosted the profitability of farmers but has also contributed to a healthier and more sustainable food system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are framing effects?
A framing effect is a cognitive bias that occurs when people respond to a problem or decision differently depending on how it is presented to them.
For example, people may be more likely to choose a course of action if it is framed as a gain rather than a loss. Framing effects often occur because people have a tendency to focus on the potential positive outcomes of a situation while downplaying the potential negative outcomes. This is due to the framing effect of their first option.
How can the framing effect impact our decision-making?
Framing effect can impact decisions because of the positive spin told about the product, service, or conversation.
How does framing affect decision-making?
Framing affects decision-making by biasing people’s judgments about the costs and benefits of taking a particular course of action.
For example, if people are told that a policy will result in the loss of jobs, they are likely to be less supportive of it than if they are told that the same policy will result in the creation of jobs.
How to Avoid the Framing Effect?
The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which people change their decisions based on how the information is presented to them.
To avoid the framing effect, one should focus on the frame itself. Be aware of the language and tone used in the message, and how the frame is constructed.
It is important to evaluate the frame in a positive manner and be mindful of any negative framing. One can avoid the framing effect by considering multiple perspectives and rationally analyzing the information presented.
If an advertiser is using framing, one should be alert and skeptical of the message. By using framing in a positive manner, like emphasizing the treatment options for a fatal disease in a positive light, one can use the framing effect to their advantage.
How to Avoid the Framing Effect?
The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which people change their decisions based on how the information is presented to them.
To avoid the framing effect, you should focus on the frame itself. Be aware of the language and tone used in the message, and how the frame is constructed. It is important to evaluate the frame in a positive manner and be mindful of any negative framing.
You can avoid the framing effect by considering multiple perspectives and rationally analyzing the information presented.
If an advertiser is using framing, one should be alert and skeptical of the message. By using framing in a positive manner, like emphasizing the treatment options for a fatal disease in a positive light, one can use the framing effect to their advantage.
As Tversky and Kahneman researched, the framing effect can greatly influence the decision-making process.
According to Tversky and Kahneman, the research paper Rational Choice and the Framing of Decisions found these main points.
Arguments For:
- The way a decision problem is framed can influence people’s preferences, even if the options are the same. This means that people’s decisions may not always be based purely on rational considerations.
- The normative theory of choice assumes that people always make rational decisions that maximize their goals, but this is not always the case in practice.
- Acknowledging deviations from the normative model can lead to a better understanding of how people make decisions in the real world.
Arguments Against:
- The normative theory of choice provides a useful framework for understanding how people should make decisions.
- Some decisions may be more rational than others, even if people’s preferences vary based on the framing of the decision problem.
- It is possible to learn from experience and make rational decisions, even if people sometimes deviate from the normative model.
Why does the framing effect happen?
The framing effect happens because of how information is presented to individuals. Whenever someone is exposed to an issue or decision, they are influenced by the way it is framed or presented.
The framing effect describes how the way information is presented can affect how someone perceives and responds to it.
For example, a positive frame can encourage individuals to act in one direction, while a negative frame may deter them from taking action or see things in a more negative light.
This effect can be observed in many areas of life, from advertising to politics, highlighting the importance of considering how information is framed in order to better understand and influence the decisions of individuals.
What is a simple example of framing bias?
Framing bias refers to the concept that how information is presented can influence how we perceive it. A simple example of framing bias can be seen in political advertisements.
Let’s imagine there are two political candidates running for office, Candidate A and Candidate B. If a political advertisement is released, favoring Candidate A, the advertisement may present information that portrays Candidate A in a positive light, while Candidate B is portrayed negatively.
This could influence viewers to have a more favorable opinion of Candidate A, and a less favorable opinion of Candidate B.
However, if the same information was presented in a different way, where Candidate B was portrayed in a positive light, and Candidate A was portrayed negatively, viewers could have a completely different opinion.
Understanding framing bias is important as it allows us to be more critical and mindful of how information is presented to us.
Why does the framing effect happen?
The framing effect happens because of how information is presented to individuals. Whenever someone is exposed to an issue or decision, they are influenced by the way it is framed or presented.
The framing effect describes how the way information is presented can affect how someone perceives and responds to it. For example, a positive frame can encourage individuals to act in one direction, while a negative frame may deter them from taking action or seeing things in a more negative light.
This effect can be observed in many areas of life, from advertising to politics, highlighting the importance of considering how information is framed in order to better understand and influence the decisions of individuals.
What are the different types of framing effects?
The framing effect refers to the cognitive bias that occurs when people react differently to the same information based on how it is presented. There are two types of framing effects: positive framing and negative framing.
What is an example of framing in sales?
Framing in sales is the technique of presenting a product or service in a specific light to highlight its positive aspects and create a favorable impression in the minds of the customer.
An example of framing in sales is using social proof to increase the perceived value of a product or service.
By showcasing testimonials, case studies or other social proof, a seller creates a frame that suggests the product or service is already being used and appreciated by other customers, thus increasing its perceived value. Another example of framing in sales is creating urgency.
By using phrases such as “limited time offer,” “only a few left in stock,” or “act now,” a seller creates a frame that suggests a sense of urgency, leading customers to take immediate action and make a purchase.
Framing is a powerful tool that can be used to influence customer perceptions and increase sales.
What is the framing effect in economics?
The framing effect in economics is a cognitive bias that occurs when people make decisions based on whether the information is presented in a positive or negative frame. For example, people are more likely to choose a course of action if it is framed as being beneficial rather than harmful.
What are individual effects?
Individual effects refer to the way in which an individual perceives or processes information based on their own unique experiences, beliefs, and cognitive processes. Framing is a communication technique that can influence an individual’s understanding and perception of information.
For example, if a news outlet frames a story about a political candidate as negative, individuals who support that candidate may perceive the story differently than those who don’t.
Conversely, framing a story in a positive light may influence individuals to view the candidate in a more favorable way.
Other examples of framing include word choice, visual cues, and emotional appeals, all of which can impact an individual’s interpretation of information. Understanding individual effects and framing is important in communication and marketing as it can affect how people make decisions and form opinions.
What is a Plea bargain framing effect and example?
The plea bargain framing effect refers to the way in which the presentation of different offers can influence one’s decision-making process in the context of accepting a plea deal. Essentially, this refers to the way in which the language used to describe the options available to a defendant can influence their decision.
For example, if a prosecutor offers a plea deal in which the defendant can serve a shorter sentence and avoid the potential of a longer sentence if they go to trial, this may be framed as a “benefit” to the defendant.
However, if the same deal is described as a “punishment” for their alleged crime, the defendant may be less likely to accept. The way in which options are presented can therefore have a significant impact on the outcome of a case.
What is an auditory frame and example?
An auditory frame refers to the specific sounds or tone of a particular musical or speech performance that creates a particular atmosphere. It is mostly used in the context of analyzing music, speech, and language to uncover the underlying meanings of their sounds.
These frames help to create a mood, set a tone, and guide the interpretation of the listener or the audience. For example, a song with a fast and upbeat tempo can create a lively atmosphere while a song with a slow and mellow tempo creates a somber and relaxed mood.
Similarly, a speech that is delivered with passion and a strong tone signals the audience to pay attention and to be moved by the meaning of the words being spoken. In essence, an auditory frame is a fundamental tool in interpreting and analyzing sounds to extract meaning and evoke emotions.
What are value frames examples?
Value frames refer to the set of beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions that an individual holds about particular concepts. These value frames shape how an individual perceives and understands the world around them.
Examples of value frames include cultural background, religious beliefs, political ideology, and personal experiences. For instance, a person’s cultural background may shape their beliefs about traditional gender roles or attitudes towards family. Similarly, an individual’s political ideology may shape their views on topics such as taxation, healthcare, or gun control. Value frames can be both explicit and implicit, meaning that they are sometimes unconsciously applied to various aspects of life.
It is important to recognize and understand others’ value frames to promote effective communication and understanding.
Final Thoughts
There are many framing effects examples if you ever find yourself being sold something or told something. Think about: where that person is coming from, what is in it for them, and what they want from you. Then ask yourself if they are framing something up for you to buy into.
We hope you enjoyed reading about framing effect examples you may also find this post interesting Define Cognitive Bias (All You Need To Know & More)
