Cognitive word associations for "Nurse" in US.

Cognitive word associations for "Nurse" in US.

With a mixed-method analysis of cognitive word associations (7,470 associations by 415 respondents for 12 professions), the defining epithets of public servants are clarified, along with their positive or negative connotation. Despite the strongest associations for public servants being positive (caring, helpful, and dedicated), as an overall category, it has a less positive connotation, compared to some specific professions typical in the public sector (nurse, firefighter, and police). However, cognitive associations are substantially more positive for public servants, compared to politicians, lawyers, and salesmen.

Willems, J. (2020), Public servant stereotypes: It is not (at) all about being lazy, greedy, and corrupt. Public Administration. https://doi.org/10.1111/padm.12686