Abstract
With the rising availability and volume of data, journalists are finding ways to integrate data-rich information into news content and make them accessible to everyday news readers by accompanying them with exemplifying cases. However, these exemplars do not always fully capture the complexity of the data patterns, leading to significant biases in readers’ issue perceptions. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of exemplification theory and interactivity, this study examines the effectiveness of interactivity in counteracting the exemplification effect through perceived vividness of and user engagement with data-rich information. A mixed-design experiment revealed that, compared to textual description and static visualization, interactive data visualization is effective in motivating systematic processing of baserate information, which positively influences accuracy of issue perception as well as personal attitudes toward two controversial issues—climate change and same-sex marriage legalization. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for journalistic practice and interface design for communicating data information.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
