The role of framing in assessments in public policy

As learned from extensive research in social sciences and experimental economics (such as Tverskey and Kahneman), we make assessments/evaluations from a reference point or an anchor point. Put it differently, our frame of reference matters and forms the basis for our assessments.

Look at Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's assessment by the public. The reference frame/anchor is the party affiliation of the President. Optics is important --

Percent Expressing Great Deal/Fair Amount of Confidence in Ben Bernanke:

      Democrats Independents  Republicans
2008     40          43            61
2009     64          44            36