%0 PDF %T The Effect of Metaphoric Framing on Attitudes toward Diversity Policies in the Face of Racial Shift %A Marotta, Satia. %D 2017-06-29T09:04:37.223-04:00 %8 2017-07-07 %R http://localhost/files/q237j4338 %X Abstract: The United States is undergoing a series of transitions both in politics and its demographic composition. Recent research suggests that these demographic shifts may influence attitudes towards public policies. Additionally, public policies are often presented using polarizing figurative language, particularly metaphors, that may sway voter attitudes more than the actual parameters of these policies. Understanding how these factors may influence public opinion is critical to ensuring that voters can make informed choices. Through four experiments, this dissertation investigates whether the metaphoric framings used to describe diversity policies influence political attitudes, particularly when individuals are made aware of the imminent demographic changes. Experiments 1 and 2 explored whether using positive-sum or zero-sum metaphors for affirmative action would moderate the effects of racial shift information on attitudes toward diversity polices, and this hypothesis was partially supported. Experiment 3 asked participants to evaluate a university applicant while considering the university's positive-sum or zero-sum approach to affirmative action and found some evidence that these metaphorical framings affected perceptions of applicant merit, but not quality. Finally, Experiment 4 attempted to reduce the susceptibility of participants to metaphorical framings by informing them that metaphors could influence their attitudes. This intervention was unsuccessful and alternatives are discussed. Overall, this dissertation adds to the body of research examining the influence of political metaphors on attitudes toward public policies while accounting for changes that may be tied to demographic and societal shifts.; Thesis (Ph.D.)--Tufts University, 2017.; Submitted to the Dept. of Psychology.; Advisor: Samuel Sommers.; Committee: Maureen Craig, Keith Maddox, and Deborah Schildkraut.; Keyword: Psychology. %[ 2022-10-11 %9 Text %~ Tufts Digital Library %W Institution