Chapter 3 Quiz: Rhetoric and Framing
1. Aristotle identified three modes of artistic proof in rhetoric. Which of the following correctly defines pathos?
- A) The logical structure of the argument and quality of the evidence
- B) The credibility, character, and trustworthiness of the speaker
- C) The emotional state of the audience as it relates to persuasion
- D) The shared values between the speaker and the audience
2. Robert Entman's definition of framing holds that frames simultaneously perform four functions. Which of the following is NOT one of those four?
- A) Problem definition
- B) Causal interpretation
- C) Verification of factual claims
- D) Treatment recommendation
3. The "death tax" / "estate tax" example illustrates which type of framing?
- A) Issue framing — presenting the same event from different dimensions
- B) Equivalency framing — presenting logically equivalent information with different emotional valences
- C) Deep framing — using conceptual metaphors that operate below conscious awareness
- D) Agenda-setting — determining which issues receive prominent coverage
4. Agenda-setting theory, as developed by McCombs and Shaw, holds that news media primarily influence:
- A) What specific opinions audiences hold about issues
- B) Which issues audiences consider important
- C) Whether audiences trust government institutions
- D) How audiences evaluate the credibility of sources
5. Priming theory extends agenda-setting by claiming that the issues made salient by media coverage also influence:
- A) The emotional tone of audience responses to news
- B) The criteria by which audiences evaluate political leaders
- C) The accuracy of audience recall of factual information
- D) The speed at which new information is processed
6. According to George Lakoff, political communication is structured by "conceptual metaphors" that operate:
- A) Explicitly, through stated analogies and comparisons
- B) Primarily through visual imagery rather than language
- C) Largely below conscious awareness, shaping how issues are understood
- D) Only in partisan political speech, not in mainstream journalism
7. The phrase "tax relief" is an example of which rhetorical/framing technique?
- A) Ethos — establishing the speaker's credentials on tax policy
- B) Logos — presenting evidence that taxes are too high
- C) Conceptual metaphor — framing taxes as a burden (pain) that "relief" alleviates
- D) Social proof — implying that most people consider taxes excessive
8. In the Primary Source Analysis of Frank Luntz's framing memo, what does Luntz identify as the primary basis for language choices?
- A) Accuracy — choosing the most precise technical term
- B) Clarity — choosing language that is easiest to understand
- C) Psychological effectiveness — what people hear rather than what is actually meant
- D) Legal precision — choosing language that is most defensible in court
9. Which of the following best describes the analytical distinction between a "legitimate frame" and a "manipulative frame"?
- A) Legitimate frames use neutral language; manipulative frames use emotional language
- B) Legitimate frames emphasize the most accurate and salient features of a phenomenon; manipulative frames are chosen primarily for psychological effect regardless of accuracy
- C) Legitimate frames are used by journalists; manipulative frames are used by politicians
- D) Legitimate frames present both sides; manipulative frames present only one side
10. The Debate Framework in this chapter asks whether all framing is manipulation. Position A argues framing is not inherently manipulative because:
- A) Some frames are objective and value-neutral
- B) Framing is unavoidable in communication — selecting aspects of reality to emphasize is inherent to description
- C) Audiences can always detect framing if they are paying attention
- D) Framing only affects low-information voters, not educated audiences