Names from Nowhere? Fictitious Country Names in Survey Vignettes Affect Experimental Results

Abstract Using fictitious country names in hypothetical scenarios is widespread experimental international relations research. We survey sixty-four peer-reviewed articles to find that it justified by reference necessary “neutralization” compared real-world scenarios. However, this neutralization effect has not been independently tested. Indeed, psychology and toponymy scholarship suggest entail implicit cues can inadvertently bias results. use a experiment test naming effects. only limited evidence for neutralization, but also little systematic Instead, we respondents were often more willing support using force against countries than even adversarial countries. Real-world associations may provide “deterrent” captured with names. In turn, fictionalization decrease the stakes as experienced respondents. Researchers should therefore carefully explain rationales expected effects of names, their independently.