Framing

Framing, within the context of cognitive psychology and communication, refers to how people's perceptions and decisions can be significantly influenced by the way information is presented. This concept was first introduced by Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman, psychologists who played pivotal roles in developing the field of behavioural economics.

Framing effects can profoundly impact human decision-making and judgement. Essentially, the way a problem or decision is framed – the context, wording, or presentation – can alter the interpretation and the subsequent decision-making process. Two descriptions of the same situation can lead to entirely different responses, depending on how the information is framed.

Consider a classic example from Tversky and Kahneman's work: a group of people are told that 600 lives are at stake and are given two options for a course of action. Option A will save 200 lives for certain, while Option B has a one-third probability of saving all 600 lives but a two-thirds probability of saving none. Given this framing, most people choose Option A – the certain outcome.

However, when the scenario is presented differently – Option A will result in 400 deaths for certain, while Option B has a one-third probability of no one dying and a two-thirds probability of all 600 dying – more people choose Option B. Although the actual outcomes are the same, the framing has shifted perceptions and decisions.

This example illustrates a concept known as 'loss aversion', where losses are perceived as more significant than equivalent gains. Framing something as a loss versus a gain can significantly influence choices.

Framing also plays a significant role in communication and persuasion. Politicians, advertisers, and media outlets often use framing techniques to shape public perception and influence behaviour. For example, a political issue can be framed in terms of 'security' or 'freedom', and the chosen frame can significantly affect public opinion.

In terms of self-improvement and mental health, understanding the concept of framing can be beneficial. Individuals can use this understanding to be more critical and mindful of how information is presented to them. They can also use framing techniques to shape their own thinking and behaviour. For instance, viewing a challenge as an opportunity rather than a problem can lead to a more optimistic and proactive approach.

In cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the concept of 'reframing' or 'cognitive restructuring' is often used to help individuals cope with negative thoughts, emotions, or behaviours. This technique involves identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and reframing them in a more positive or realistic light.

Framing is also essential in negotiations and problem-solving. By reframing a problem or issue, new solutions can often be found. This is often referred to as 'positive framing' or 'solution-focused framing'.

Framing influences how we perceive and interpret information and events, which in turn shapes our decisions, behaviours, and interactions. By understanding this concept, individuals can become more discerning consumers of information and can harness the power of framing to influence their own and others' perceptions and actions.



Framing

Related Semantic Entities for Framing
Active listening | Attention | Attitude | Authenticity | Belief | Body language | Communication | Confidence | Conversation | Cooperation | Credibility | Customer | Decision-making | Dialogue | Empathy | Experience | Eye contact | Facial expression | Feeling | Gesture | Imagination | Inclusive language | Information | Insight | Language | Marketing | Mind | Negotiation | Nonverbal communication | Open-ended question | Paralanguage | Persuasion | Posture | Problem solving | Rapport | Reason | Risk | Sales | Smile | Speech | Storytelling | Thought | Tone | Trust | Understanding | Vulnerability | Accuracy and precision | Anchoring | Artificial intelligence | Availability heuristic | Awareness | Base rate | Choice | Cognition | Cognitive bias | Complexity | Consensus decision-making | Cost–benefit analysis | Creativity | Critical thinking | Data | Decision analysis | Decision matrix | Decision tree | Delphi method | Economics | Evidence | Expected value | Expert | Explanation | Failure | Finance | Goal | Graphic communication | Heuristic | Hindsight bias | Idea | Intelligence | Interdisciplinarity | Irrationality | Judgement | Knowledge | Leadership | Leverage | Likelihood function | Mental model | Multiple-criteria decision analysis | Neuroscience | Opinion | Overconfidence effect | Perception | Perspective | Pre-mortem | Preference | Probability | Prototype | Psychological resilience | Psychology | Quantitative research | Questionnaire | Rationality | Reality | Representativeness heuristic | Revenue | Science | Security | Stereotype | Strategic planning | SWOT analysis | Time | Uncertainty | Value