Narrative Mechanisms - Conditions of Narrative Influence

Why narratives matter

Homo sapiens	Homo narrans
Wise human; knowing person	Story telling and story listening humans.

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TIAS question

How can narratives stimulate engagement, learning, & action?

Narratives, when crafted effectively, can stimulate engagement, learning, and action on both individual and collective levels.

Individual Engagement, Learning, and Action: Emotional Connection: Narratives often engage individuals on an emotional level, making the content more relatable and memorable. Personal stories or anecdotes can resonate deeply with individuals, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs. Learning Through Storytelling: Narratives can simplify complex concepts or ideas, making them easier to understand. By framing information within a narrative, individuals can better grasp and retain knowledge. Inspiring Action: When individuals connect emotionally with a narrative, they are more likely to be motivated to take action. This could be anything from changing personal habits to supporting a cause.

Collective Engagement, Learning, and Action: Shared Identity: Narratives can create a sense of shared identity among groups of people. When a narrative resonates with a collective, it can strengthen bonds and foster a sense of community. Learning From Collective Stories: Narratives can also be used to share collective experiences, such as historical events or cultural traditions. These stories can teach important lessons and values to a group. Mobilizing for Change: Narratives have the power to mobilize groups for collective action. When a narrative aligns with a group's goals or values, it can inspire members to work together towards a common purpose.

Best Practices for Crafting Effective Narratives: Know Your Audience: Tailor the narrative to the interests and preferences of your audience. Keep it Simple: Avoid overly complex plots or language that may confuse or alienate your audience. Make it Relatable: Use characters, settings, and situations that your audience can relate to. Use Emotion: Engage your audience emotionally to create a deeper connection. Have a Clear Message: Ensure that your narrative has a clear message or takeaway that you want your audience to remember. Be Authentic: Authenticity is key to building trust and credibility with your audience. Encourage Interaction: Encourage your audience to engage with the narrative through discussion, reflection, or action.

Optimizations for Crafting Effective Narratives: Use Visuals: Incorporate visuals, such as images or videos, to enhance the narrative and make it more engaging. Experiment with Formats: Try different formats, such as audio stories or interactive experiences, to see what resonates best with your audience. Leverage Technology: Use technology, such as virtual reality or augmented reality, to create immersive narratives that captivate your audience. Collect Feedback: Collect feedback from your audience to understand what works and what doesn't, and use this information to improve future narratives. Collaborate: Collaborate with others, such as artists, writers, or designers, to bring different perspectives and skills to the narrative.

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Communication process (simplified)

The communication process, simplified, involves several key elements: priors, filters, telling or hearing stories, and affective response.

Priors: Priors are the pre-existing beliefs, experiences, and knowledge that individuals bring to the communication process. These priors shape how individuals interpret and understand incoming information.

Filters: Filters are the mental processes that individuals use to process and interpret incoming information. These filters can include biases, assumptions, and cognitive shortcuts that influence how individuals perceive and understand communication.

Telling or Hearing Stories: Stories are a powerful form of communication that can engage, educate, and inspire individuals. When individuals tell or hear stories, they are more likely to connect emotionally with the content, making it more memorable and impactful.

Affective Response: Affective response refers to the emotional reactions that individuals have to communication. These emotional responses can influence how individuals interpret and understand the content, as well as their willingness to engage with it.

In summary, the communication process involves individuals bringing their priors and filters to the table, engaging with stories, and experiencing emotional responses that shape their understanding and interpretation of the communication.

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Narrative transportation

Narrative transportation is a psychological process in which an audience becomes deeply absorbed or “transported” into a story, to the point where they feel as though they are experiencing the events of the story themselves. This process can be so immersive that it temporarily lifts the audience out of their own reality. It’s a phenomenon that’s been studied extensively in fields like psychology and communication.

Here’s how it works:

Engagement: The audience becomes engaged with the story, often due to its relatability, emotional resonance, or compelling nature.

Absorption: As the story progresses, the audience becomes increasingly absorbed in the narrative, focusing their attention on the story and its characters.

Imagery: The audience starts to create vivid mental images of the story's events, settings, and characters, which can feel incredibly real and immersive.

Emotional Involvement: The audience emotionally invests in the story, feeling the same emotions as the characters and becoming invested in the outcome.

Transportation: The audience reaches a state of transportation, where they feel as though they have been "transported" into the story world, experiencing it as if it were real.

Return to Reality: After the story ends or the audience disengages, they return to their own reality, often feeling a sense of disorientation or a "come-down" from the heightened emotional state of transportation.

Narrative transportation can be a powerful tool in storytelling, as it can lead to increased engagement, emotional impact, and memorability. It’s often used in various forms of media, such as literature, film, and advertising, to create immersive and impactful experiences for the audience.

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Narrative mechanisms

In the context of narrative persuasion, several mechanisms are often at play, each contributing to the overall persuasive effect of the narrative. These mechanisms include:

Identification: This mechanism involves the audience identifying with the characters, situations, or values presented in the narrative. When individuals see themselves or their beliefs reflected in a story, they are more likely to be persuaded by its message.

Emotional Engagement: Narratives often evoke strong emotions in the audience, such as empathy, fear, or excitement. These emotions can make the narrative more memorable and persuasive.

Transportation: As mentioned earlier, transportation is the process by which the audience becomes deeply absorbed in the story, feeling as though they are experiencing it themselves. This immersive experience can make the narrative more persuasive.

Narrative Arc: The structure of the narrative, including its beginning, middle, and end, can influence its persuasive impact. A well-crafted narrative arc can build tension, create emotional highs and lows, and ultimately lead to a satisfying resolution that reinforces the narrative's message.

Social Norms: Narratives often reinforce or challenge social norms, which can influence how persuasive they are. When a narrative aligns with existing social norms, it may be more persuasive to the audience.

Credibility: The credibility of the narrator or the story itself can also influence its persuasiveness. If the audience perceives the narrator as trustworthy or the story as credible, they may be more likely to be persuaded by its message.

Repetition: Repeated exposure to a narrative can increase its persuasive impact. This is known as the "mere exposure effect," and it suggests that the more familiar individuals are with a narrative, the more persuasive it becomes.

Overall, these mechanisms work together to create a persuasive narrative that can influence the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of the audience.

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A look at three narrative mechanisms

Tthree narrative mechanisms:

Characters (Narrative Structure): Characters are central to any narrative, as they drive the story forward and are often the primary means through which audiences engage with the narrative. Characters can be used to embody and convey various themes, values, and messages within a narrative. They can be relatable, aspirational, or even antagonistic, and their development throughout the story can influence how audiences perceive and interpret the narrative's message. Character Arcs: The transformation or development of characters over the course of a narrative can be a powerful tool for persuasion. A character's journey, struggles, and eventual resolution can mirror the audience's own experiences, making the narrative more relatable and persuasive. Character Relationships: The dynamics between characters can also be persuasive. For example, a strong bond between characters can evoke emotions like empathy or admiration, while conflicts between characters can create tension and drive the narrative forward.

Images: Visual imagery is a potent tool in narrative persuasion. Images can evoke emotions, convey complex ideas, and create a sense of immersion for the audience. They can be used to reinforce the narrative's message or to provide additional context and depth to the story. Symbolism: Images can be used symbolically to represent abstract concepts or themes. For example, a recurring image of a butterfly might symbolize transformation or freedom. Emotional Impact: Images have the power to evoke strong emotions in the audience. A powerful image can elicit empathy, fear, or joy, which can enhance the persuasive impact of the narrative. Visual Storytelling: Images can tell a story on their own, without the need for words. Visual storytelling can be particularly effective in capturing the audience's attention and conveying complex ideas quickly and effectively.

Frames (Narrative Strategy): Frames are the lenses through which narratives are presented to the audience. They can shape how the audience perceives and interprets the narrative's message. Different frames can be used to emphasize different aspects of a story, making it more persuasive to specific audiences. Framing Effects: The way a narrative is framed can influence how audiences perceive the content. For example, a story framed as a "success story" might be more persuasive than the same story framed as a "failure story." Narrative Framing: The overall narrative structure and framing can also be persuasive. For example, a narrative that follows a classic "hero's journey" structure can be particularly compelling and persuasive. Framing Techniques: Various framing techniques, such as contrast framing or gain-loss framing, can be used to enhance the persuasive impact of a narrative.

In summary, characters, images, and frames are three narrative mechanisms that can be used to create persuasive narratives. These mechanisms work together to engage the audience emotionally, create a sense of immersion, and shape how the narrative’s message is perceived and interpreted.

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1. Characters: the vehicle for transportation

Definition
Problem framing
Science
Characters in action

Flooding occurs when water flows over land that is usually dry. Flooding can result from rain, snowmelt, and high flows in waterways. Flooding can also result from waterways being blocked by debris or ice and from infrastructure failures. Many homeowners and businesses along the Yellowstone River are concerned with having to pay a lot of money for insurance based on the latest federal flood map. Yet, in Montana, good neighbors like you help when Yellowstone floodwaters rise. While many feel protected by the local dike, your house or your friend’s house and the economy of local business could be vulnerable, as even the best-engineered solutions may not work. Under extreme flood conditions, the river could over-top, leaving properties damaged and companies hit with expensive repair costs. A flood large enough to qualify as a 100-year flood has a 1% chance of happening in any single year. Yet the chance of flooding also adds up over time. For example, a 100-year flood has a 26-percent chance of occurring in any 30-year period. Without preparation, your town could be lost, as it faces difficult and sad times. Working together with your local emergency responders, you can think about and begin to implement individual and community strategies before a disaster occurs.

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The Role of Priors

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2. The Power of Images

How measure “priors”?

“Priors” in the context of your question refer to the pre-existing beliefs, attitudes, or feelings that individuals have about a particular subject. In this case, the subject is flying foxes or bats. The measurement of priors, or pre-existing attitudes, can be assessed using a feeling thermometer, as described in your question.

The feeling thermometer is a scale that ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 represents the coldest or least favorable feeling, and 100 represents the warmest or most favorable feeling. Respondents are asked to rate their feelings about flying foxes or bats on this scale by selecting a number between 0 and 100.

To measure priors using a feeling thermometer, you would ask respondents to rate their feelings about the subject before presenting any information or stimuli related to it. This allows you to assess their pre-existing attitudes or feelings toward the subject.

After measuring priors, you can then present information or stimuli related to flying foxes or bats and assess how this information influences respondents’ attitudes or feelings. This can help you understand how priors interact with new information to shape attitudes or beliefs.

The power of images in influencing attitudes and behaviors is evident in various contexts. When individuals have neutral priors (i.e., no strong pre-existing beliefs or attitudes) about a topic, images can significantly impact their emotional response or affect. However, the effect on risk perceptions (both impact and likelihood) may be less pronounced.

For instance, when individuals are presented with a narrative about a topic and images that are congruent with the narrative (i.e., they align with the story), the images can increase affect. This means that the images enhance the emotional response to the narrative, making it more engaging and memorable. As a result, individuals may be more likely to take action based on their emotional reaction to the narrative.

On the other hand, when individuals are presented with a narrative and images that are incongruent (i.e., they do not align with the story), the images may dampen affect. In this case, the images may not enhance the emotional response to the narrative, and individuals may be less likely to take action based on their emotional reaction.

However, when individuals have strong priors (i.e., they have pre-existing beliefs or attitudes about a topic), the impact of images on affect and risk perceptions may vary. In some cases, images may dampen affect when the narrative is incongruent with their priors. This means that the images may not enhance the emotional response to the narrative, and individuals may be less likely to take action based on their emotional reaction.

In other cases, images may increase affect when the narrative is congruent with their priors. In this case, the images may enhance the emotional response to the narrative, making it more engaging and memorable. As a result, individuals may be more likely to take action based on their emotional reaction.

Overall, the power of images in influencing attitudes and behaviors is complex and depends on various factors, including individuals’ priors, the congruence between the narrative and images, and the context in which they are presented.

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3. Frames

• Frames define the problem.

Coronavirus = health issue

Coronavirus is dangerous. People are getting sick.

Coronavirus = economic issue

Coronavirus is dangerous. People are losing their jobs.

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How can narratives stimulate engagement, learning, and action?

Narratives can stimulate engagement, learning, and action in several ways, both at the individual and collective levels. Here are some additional factors and mechanisms that contribute to this process:

Venue: The setting or platform where the narrative is presented can influence engagement and action. For example, a narrative presented in a live event or interactive medium may have a greater impact on the audience compared to a static medium like print.

Causal Mechanisms: Narratives often involve cause-and-effect relationships, which can help individuals understand complex concepts and make connections between different elements of the story. This can facilitate learning and action by providing a clear understanding of the consequences of certain actions or decisions.

Plot: The structure and development of the narrative's plot can influence engagement and learning. A well-crafted plot with twists, turns, and a satisfying resolution can captivate the audience and keep them engaged throughout the story.

Emotional Appeal: Narratives that evoke strong emotions in the audience can be more engaging and memorable. Emotional engagement can lead to a deeper connection with the story and a greater likelihood of taking action.

Social Norms and Values: Narratives often reflect and reinforce social norms and values. When individuals see characters or situations that align with their own values, they may be more motivated to take action.

Interactivity: Interactive narratives that allow the audience to participate or make choices can increase engagement and promote active learning. This can also lead to a greater sense of agency and empowerment, which can motivate individuals to take action.

Visual and Auditory Elements: The use of images, sounds, and other sensory elements can enhance the narrative experience and make it more engaging. Visual storytelling, in particular, can be a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas and emotions.

Repetition and Reinforcement: Repeated exposure to a narrative can reinforce its message and increase the likelihood of action. This is known as the "mere exposure effect," and it suggests that the more familiar individuals are with a narrative, the more persuasive it becomes.

Community and Collective Action: Narratives that highlight the importance of collective action and community involvement can inspire individuals to work together towards a common goal. This can lead to greater engagement and a sense of shared responsibility.

Empowerment: Narratives that empower individuals by highlighting their agency and ability to make a difference can be particularly motivating. When individuals feel empowered, they are more likely to take action and make positive changes in their own lives and communities.

In summary, narratives can stimulate engagement, learning, and action by appealing to emotions, conveying complex ideas, and providing a sense of empowerment and agency. By understanding the various factors and mechanisms that contribute to the effectiveness of narratives, communicators can create more impactful and persuasive stories.