About this resource

    Type of resources
    Reading
    Education level(s)
    College / Upper Division (Undergraduates), Graduate / Professional
    Primary user(s)
    Student, Teacher, Researcher / Scientist
    Subject area(s)
    Math & Statistics, Social Science
    Language(s)
    English
    Cluster
    Pre-analysis Planning, Replication and Meta-Research
    Last updated
    29 October 2026
    Reading

    Replicating and Extending Soroka, Fournier, and Nir: Negative News Increases Arousal and Negative Affect

    By Roeland Dubèl, Gijs Schumacher, Maaike D. Homan, Delaney Peterson, Bert N. Bakker

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    Level College / Upper Division (Undergraduates), Graduate / Professional · For Student, Teacher, Researcher / Scientist · Language English

    Abstract

    This student-led replication study tested the negativity bias hypothesis—the idea that people react more strongly to negative than positive news—using a preregistered, well-powered design in the Netherlands. It replicated key findings from Soroka et al. (2019), showing that negative news increases physiological arousal. The study extended the original by also demonstrating muscle activation linked to negative affect, showing that positive news can elicit more self-reported arousal, and validating the theory in a new national context. It highlights both the scientific and educational impact of high-quality replication work.

    Keywords OSCA Awards 2025