Title: Media Framing of Nuclear Power Plants and Its Effects on Public Opinion in Türkiye: An Experimental Study
By: Muhammed Yasin Güngör
Advisor: Zeki Sarıgil
Date: September 2, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 10:00
Place: Bilkent University, Seminar Room T-171
Abstract: Media framing research has demonstrated significant effects on public opinion formation, yet limited attention examines how frame effectiveness varies across domains and individual characteristics within polarized political environments. This study examines how different media framings of nuclear energy policy influence Turkish citizens’ attitudes through a 2×2×2 factorial experimental design manipulating frame valence (positive vs. negative), frame domain (national security vs. environmental security), and media source political orientation (pro-government vs. opposition). Analysis of 778 participants revealed significant main framing effects, with positive frames increasing government policy support (p = .005). Results also demonstrated a domain asymmetry: national security frames produced significant effects across multiple attitude dimensions, while environmental security frames showed minimal impact. Individual differences revealed curvilinear moderation patterns for both media trust and knowledge, with moderate levels creating optimal framing susceptibility. The findings demonstrate that framing effectiveness depends critically on domain content and audience characteristics rather than simple valence manipulation, informing strategic political communication in polarized environments.
Keywords: Media framing, nuclear energy, polarization, public opinion, political communication