Persuasion with Precision: Using Natural Language Processing to Improve Instrument Fidelity for Risk Communication Experimental Treatments.

Instrument fidelity in message testing research hinges upon how precisely messages operationalize treatment conditions. However, numerous message-testing studies have unmitigated threats to validity and reliability because no established procedures exist to guide of message treatments. Their construction typically occurs in a black box, resulting in suspect inferential conclusions about treatment effects.

Characters matter: How narratives shape affective responses to risk communication.

Introduction: Whereas scientists depend on the language of probability to relay information about hazards, risk communication may be more effective when embedding scientific information in narratives. The persuasive power of narratives is theorized to reside, in part, in narrative transportation.

Purpose: This study seeks to advance the science of stories in risk communication by measuring real-time affective responses as a proxy indicator for narrative transportation during science messages that present scientific information in the context of narrative.