What Is the Framing Effect? | Definition & Examples

Sometimes we make decisions on the basis of information presented to us rather than research. In simpler terms a piece of information can lead to different perspectives depending on both positive and negative light known as framing effect. In our current blog post we will guide you on what is the framing effect, framing bias, framing effect definition, framing effect and explore some framing effect examples. Also you will get awareness about how to reduce the framing bias in day to day life decisions with the help of some tips and strategies to adopt.

What Is the Framing Effect? A Simple Definition

The framing effect refers to a continuous biasness on decisions taken by how information is presented and not on facts and reality. In simpler terms the same piece of information can present with a different perspective which results in different choices. Framing affecting psychology states that our brains often take some shortcuts called heuristics when engaged in processing complex information. These shortcuts assist in making quick decisions, but errors in judgement. One of the negative impacts of such a process is framing bias, where information influences our choices and thinking. The framing effect definition in psychology is: A cognitive bias where an individual decides on different choices based on options available in both negative and positive conditions.

Why the Framing Effect Matters in Decision Making

Knowing and grasping into what is the framing effect and how it works is relevant as it impacts the way decisions are taken in everyday life. It influences decisions in areas like health, education, business, finance and social issues. The framing effect psychologies demonstrate that how a problem or decision can take a person towards risk areas. The importance of framing effect is mainly in decision making areas and in behaviour economics.

The Psychology Behind the Framing Effect

The framing effect psychology is the part of the prospect theory, propounded by Amos and Daniel; According to them this theory prospects following points:

1. People usually avoid risks when a positive frame is presented to them. (Gain framing).
2. People evaluate potential gains and losses to some specific point.
3. They tend to take risk in the case of negative frame (Loss framing)
4. This shows that our emotional response to loss and gain are not in equality and we feel more losses than the equivalent gains.

The cognitive terms involved in framing effect are:-

1. Affective Forecasting: Our expectations about the outcomes will impact our choices
2. Confirmation Bias: We follow and favour those information which confines our existing beliefs and knowledge.
3. Anchoring: The initial frame becomes the base for how we interpret further information.

Types of Framing: Gain vs. Loss Framing Explained

There two major types of framing explained below with framing effect examples:

1. Gain Framing: This is the type of framing where we present any type of information in a way that highlights its positive results and advantages.

Framing effect examples: “Sunscreen reduces tanning on the bodies and face”

People are more likely to adopt such thinking and frame this knowledge in a positive way.

2. Loss Framing: This is the type of framing where we present the same information but with negative results.

Framing effect examples: “Without the use of the sunscreen you can have a risk of skin cancer”. People in this case take more risks and act urgently to purchase the sunscreen. These frames are generally used in the healthcare areas, insurance, financial areas and behaviour economics. The same act leads to different decisions at different times based solely on how they are presented in front of others.

Everyday Examples of the Framing Effect

The framing effect has wider scope in psychological studies and it states that this happens all around us. The framing effect examples for everyday are following:

Food Labels and caution: Positive frame: “95% Fat-Free and gluten free”. Negative frame: “Contains 5% fat”. Here consumers tend to perceive the first option healthier and avoid any product if second information is labelled.

Medical Decision Making: Positive frame: “90% of Patients survive after operation”. Negative Frame: “10% Patients dies after operation”. Here the patients are more likely to opt for the operation when the survival rate is important.

Job posting and recruitment: Positive Frame: “Exciting new opening with a MNC”. Negative Frame: “Demanding positive with strict rules and regulations”. Here the job seekers are more drawn towards positive description. These all framing effect examples show how framing bias impacts our day to day choices.

Framing Effect in Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising areas usually used framing to influence their buying decisions. By making changes in label, design, language and presentation of the product in features can induce a consumer to purchase a certain product. They can guide consumers towards specific choices.

Pricing Framing Effect: Discount Framing: “Was 50%, now only 20%!”,Loss Framing: “Don’t miss out on this 30% saving!” Here both frames aim to boost purchasing but loss framing tends to create urgency and make consumers take relevant decisions regarding purchasing.

Product Description Framing: “Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by 90%” (Positive framing) Negative Framing: “Without this product, your wrinkles could deepen by 90%” (loss framing). By exploiting framing effect psychology, advertisers change decisions without changing the product itself.

Framing in Politics, Media, and Public Opinion

The framing effect is one of the powerful tools in shaping and guiding individual opinions respectively. It shapes public beliefs and public opinions for different areas.

Political Framing:

Media and politicians often frame policies which draw the attention of the public and demand their support in elections. For Example: Tax Reform: Positive: “Tax relief for middle class less income families.” Negative: “Tax cuts for the middle income families.”

Healthcare: Positive: “Universal healthcare for Public.” Negative: “Government takeover all Hospitals.” The framing bias here affects how people perceive tax policies, regardless of their actual content and health areas decisions.

News Framing:

Media headlines and stories can be framed to highlight certain areas and subjects irrespective of actual reality. For example: “Protest turns harm to public areas and infrastructure.” vs. “Police clash with Public areas.” Different frames create entirely different narratives and emotional reactions. Awareness and perception about the framing effect definition assist individuals recognize when their opinions are being shaped more by presentation than facts.

How to Avoid Being Influenced by the Framing Effect

Awareness and understanding on framing effect and framing bias both play crucial roles in resisting its impact. Here are some of the tips to reduce its impact.

1. Seek to the natural information and focus on statistics and raw information rather than interpretation and assumptions.
2. Try to reframe the information by yourself and you ask the question: “What will be the outcome if you phrased the information differently?”
3. Use your critical thinking and challenge how and why information is being presented in some way and try to think in a different perspective.
4. Take some time to think and make decisions by taking proper and enough time so that you can think more rationally. This will reduce knee junk emotional responses.
5. Consider opposing frames where you look on both gain and loss frames presented to make some balance decisions.

Conclusion

To sum up, the framing effect is one of the powerful indicators in psychology that influence the process of information presentation in front of others while making decisions. This works in all areas whether it is medical, education, law, responding to an advertisement message is frames and can impact anyone at any time. People have a tendency to act or make decisions on the basis of negative outcomes or loss due to something other than the positive outcomes. At last, being aware of framing bias can empower you to make decisions rationally and effectively. Try to recognise some common framing effect decisions to understand the framing effect more deeply. Some of the key tips described in this post can assist you in avoiding the vast impact of the framing effects.