sen·sa·tion·al·ism 
(sĕn-sāshə-nə-lĭz′əm)
(sĕn-sāshə-nə-lĭz′əm)n.
1.
a. The use of sensational matter or methods, especially in writing, journalism, or politics.
b. Sensational subject matter.
c. Interest in or the effect of such subject matter.
2. Philosophy The theory that sensation is the only source of knowledge.
3. The ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion of good.
sen·sation·al·ist n.
sen·sa′tion·al·istic adj.