Associative network

Definition

An associative network is a cognitive model that represents how information is interconnected in memory, where concepts are linked through associations based on shared features or experiences. This framework helps explain how exposure to specific stimuli can activate related thoughts or ideas, influencing perceptions and behaviors. Associative networks play a crucial role in understanding how priming effects work in media coverage by demonstrating how certain cues can trigger related information and shape public opinion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Associative networks illustrate how different pieces of information are interconnected, allowing for quick retrieval and activation of related ideas.
2. In media coverage, priming can occur when certain topics or frames are highlighted, making related thoughts more accessible in people's minds.
3. The strength of the connections in an associative network affects how readily related concepts come to mind, influencing opinions and decisions.
4. Associative networks can be influenced by personal experiences and media exposure, which shape how individuals interpret new information.
5. Understanding associative networks is key for analyzing how media can subtly sway public perception by activating specific associations through repeated exposure.

Review Questions

• How do associative networks contribute to the priming effects observed in media coverage?
  • Associative networks contribute to priming effects by linking concepts in memory that become activated through media exposure. When a particular issue or event is covered extensively, related ideas and associations in a person's cognitive network become more accessible. As a result, when individuals encounter information on that topic later, they are more likely to draw upon these activated associations, which can influence their opinions and decision-making processes.
• Discuss the relationship between associative networks and cognitive dissonance in the context of media messages.
  • Associative networks and cognitive dissonance are interconnected in that media messages can either reinforce existing beliefs or challenge them. When media content activates certain associations that conflict with an individual's pre-existing beliefs, cognitive dissonance may occur. This discomfort often prompts individuals to reassess their attitudes or seek out information that aligns with their activated network, showcasing how media can shape beliefs through both reinforcement and challenge.
• Evaluate the implications of associative networks for understanding voter behavior and political messaging in campaigns.
  • The implications of associative networks for voter behavior are significant, as they demonstrate how political messaging can strategically activate certain associations among voters. By crafting messages that link candidates or issues to positive concepts within the associative network of potential voters, campaigns can enhance support and influence opinions. Additionally, understanding these networks allows political strategists to anticipate responses and tailor messaging that resonates with voters' existing associations, ultimately shaping electoral outcomes.

Related terms

Priming: Priming is a psychological phenomenon where exposure to a stimulus influences the response to a subsequent stimulus, often by activating related concepts in an associative network.

Cognitive Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding two or more contradictory beliefs or values, often leading individuals to change their attitudes or beliefs.

Framing: Framing is the process of presenting information in a particular way that influences how it is perceived, often by highlighting certain aspects while downplaying others.