The Aftermath of Political Scandals: A Meta-Analytical Review

• In Event: ICA Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Poster Session: Political Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

This article represents the first attempt to examine the effects of political scandals via meta-analysis. Seventy-four studies collectively including more than 54.000 participants were identified and examined. A quantitative analysis revealed that the number of studies has steadily increased. Research predominantly stems from North America and Europe. More than two-thirds of studies are based on student samples. Publication outlets are mostly political science and psychology journals, while communication journals only play a minor role. A qualitative analysis shows that two central outcome variables are frequently studied (evaluation of politicians/electoral consequences). Overall, studies generally reveal negative evaluative effects for politicians. However, five central moderators (candidate characteristics and behaviors/prior attitudes/context/scandal type) significantly influence scandal effects. It also becomes apparent that research has largely neglected to precisely conceptualize the major independent variable in scandal effects studies: News coverage and its intensity. Central research gaps are identified and avenues for future research are discussed.

Author

• Christian von Sikorski, U of Koblenz-Landau