unit 6

Political Socialization

The lifelong process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors through agents such as family, peers, and media.

Patriotism

A feeling of love, devotion, and attachment to one's country and its shared principles.

Group Norms

The shared standards, expectations, and rules that guide acceptable behavior and attitudes within a collective group.

Opinion Influencers

Prominent individuals who hold credibility or visibility and directly shape the perspectives and voting habits of others.

Gender Gap

The measurable difference in political views, voter turnout, and party preferences observed between men and women.

Generational Effect

The enduring impact of major historical and economic events experienced during early adulthood on the political views of a specific age cohort.

Public Opinion

The aggregate collection of individual preferences, attitudes, and beliefs held by a population on government, politics, and policy issues.

Public Opinion Poll

A systematic survey instrument used to gauge the attitudes, beliefs, or preferences of a target population.

Population

The entire group of individuals that researchers aim to study and draw statistical conclusions about.

Random Sampling

A selection technique where every member of the target population has an equal chance of being chosen for a survey.

Sampling Error

The statistical calculation representing the margin of difference between a sample's survey results and the true population value.

Tracking Polls

Continuous, daily or weekly surveys used to measure evolving changes in public perception or candidate support over time.

Exit Polls

Interviews conducted with voters immediately after they cast their ballots to project election results and study voter demographics.