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Semantic networks and competition: Election year winners and losers in U.S. televised presidential debates, 1960–2004

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  • Marya L. Doerfel
  • Stacey L. Connaughton

Abstract

Drawing on network theory, this study considers the content of U.S. presidential debates and how candidates' language differentiates them. Semantic network analyses of all U.S. presidential debates (1960–2004) were conducted. Results reveal that regardless of party affiliation, election winners were more central in their semantic networks than losers. Although the study does not argue causation between debating and electoral outcomes, results show a consistent pattern: Candidates who develop coherent, central, semantically structured messages in debates seem to be victorious on election day. An argument is made for employing semantic networks in studying debates and political discourse.

Suggested Citation

  • Marya L. Doerfel & Stacey L. Connaughton, 2009. "Semantic networks and competition: Election year winners and losers in U.S. televised presidential debates, 1960–2004," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 60(1), pages 201-218, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jamist:v:60:y:2009:i:1:p:201-218
    DOI: 10.1002/asi.20950
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    Cited by:

    1. Mengjie Cheng & Daniel Scott Smith & Xiang Ren & Hancheng Cao & Sanne Smith & Daniel A. McFarland, 2023. "How New Ideas Diffuse in Science," American Sociological Review, , vol. 88(3), pages 522-561, June.
    2. Jeongmin Lee & Jinwoo Lee & Changhee Lee & Yulseong Kim, 2023. "Identifying ESG Trends of International Container Shipping Companies Using Semantic Network Analysis and Multiple Case Theory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-20, June.
    3. Jae-Eun Lee & Seol-A Kwon & Eugene Song & Sang Il Ryu, 2022. "Disaster Resilience Differs between Survivors and Victims’ Families: A Semantic Network Analysis," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-16, March.
    4. Zhang, Xiaoyu & Ryan, Chris & Cave, Jenny, 2016. "Residents, their use of a tourist facility and contribution to tourist ambience: Narratives from a film tourism site in Beijing," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 416-429.

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