An approach for examining the third-person effect hypothesis

This book is based on the theoretical framework thatthird-person perceptions are largely influenced bymotivational components and cognitive ability whichvary by perceivers (the self-based approach) andcomparison targets (the other-based approach) andthe relationship between them (the self-otherrelationship-based approach). Specifically thisbook examines how third-person perception differs bycomparison targets called the other-based approachwhen a specific group is exclusively relevant orirrelevant to a particular media message. The findings summarized this book have importantimplications for future studies about therelationship between the perceptual components andbehavioral components of the third-person effect. Inconclusion communication researchers should accountfor the variance of the third-person perception bythe comparison target when they predict whichbehavior to examine as a measurement of the behaviorthird-person effect.