Opinions Exam Study

What are pseudo-opinions?

Opinions formed without substantive knowledge often addressed by careful question-wording.

What is social desirability bias?

The tendency for respondents to answer in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others.

What is response instability?

Variability in survey responses over time or across similar questions

How do cross-sectional surveys differ from panel surveys?

Cross-sectional surveys capture a snapshot at one point in time; panel surveys track the same respondents over time.

What are “stand patters”?

Respondents who maintain consistent opinions over time.

How is party ID measured in surveys?

By asking respondents if they identify as Republican, Democrat, or Independent, followed by a leaner question for independents.

What factors influence political socialization?

Family transmission, peer groups, media exposure, and generational stability.

How do independent leaners vote compared to partisans?

They often vote similarly to weak partisans but exhibit less stability over time.

What are strong attitudes according to Zaller?

Attitudes that are stable, consistent, and resistant to change.

How do open-ended questions differ from closed-ended questions?

Open-ended questions allow respondents to answer in their own words, while closed-ended questions limit answers to specific options.

What is expressive responding?

When respondents answer survey questions to express their identities or values rather than their true opinions.

How can question order affect survey responses?

Earlier questions can prime certain thoughts or attitudes, influencing responses to later questions.

What are “switchers” in the context of response instability?

Respondents who change their answers to the same or similar questions over time.

What is the difference between branched fully labeled and non-branched partially labeled survey formats?

Branched fully labeled formats use follow-up questions and provide labels for all response options, while non-branched partially labeled formats use a single question with fewer labeled options.

How can multi-items scales affect response instability?

Multi-item scales can reduce response instability by measuring a concept through multiple questions, potentially averaging out random errors.

What is political socialization?

The process by which individuals acquire political attitudes, beliefs, and values, often influenced by family, peers, and media.

How has the distribution of party ID changed over time?

The proportion of self-identified independents has increased to record levels, around 40% in recent years.

What is partisan bias?

The tendency for individuals to interpret information in ways that favor their preferred political party.

How do partisan difference in taste manifest?

Partisans may prefer different cultural products, brands, or lifestyle choices that with their political identity

What is the concept of negative partisanship?

The phenomenon where voters are motivated more by dislike of the opposing party than by positive feelings toward their own party.

How does Zaller describe the role of question wording in surveys?

Question-wording can significantly influence responses by framing issues in a way

What are pseudo-opinions according to Bishop et al.?

Pseudo-opinions arise when respondents provide answers despite having no real knowledge or opinion on the topic

How can pseudo-opinions be minimized in surveys?

By including “don’t know” or “no opinion” options and carefully designing questions to avoid forcing uninformed responses.

What does Rasinski highlight about question order effects?

Earlier questions can set a context that influences how respondents interpret and answer subsequent questions

What is expressive responding as discussed by Streb et al.?

Expressive responding occurs when respondents exaggerate their answeres to align with their identities or values

How do Schuldt and Knorath address social desirability bias?

They suggest using indirect questioning techniques like list experiments to reduce socially desirable responses

What does Zaller say about response instability?

Response instability often reflects weak attitudes or a lack of information rather than genuine opinion change

How does Zaller differentiate between rational updating and faulty responses?

Rational updating involves opinion change based on new information, while faulty responses stem from misunderstanding or random error.

What is the impact of survey format on response stability according to Kronick and Berent?

Branched fully labeled formats tend to produce more stable responses compared to non-branched partially labeled formats.

How do multi-item scales help reduce response instability?

They measure attitudes across multiple questions, providing a more reliable average response.

How does Cox define party identification as a social identity?

Party ID functions as a form of social identity, similar to religious or ethnic affiliations, shaping individual behavior and attitudes.

What does Fiorina argue about independents in electoral coalitions?

Independents are marginal voters who hold the balance of power in elections but are often misunderstood as "closet partisans."

What is Fiorina's critique of treating leaners as partisans?

Fiorina suggests that leaners may adjust their party preference based on their voting decisions, challenging the notion that they are covert partisans.

How has negative partisanship influenced voting behavior according to Fiorina?

Voters increasingly choose candidates based on dislike for the opposing party rather than strong support for their own party.

How does Goren address generational transmission of party ID?

Family influence plays a significant role in transmitting party identification across generations, contributing to its stability over time.

What factors contribute to independent leaners’ voting patterns according to Atif et al.?

Independent leaners often vote similarly to weak partisans but display less consistency over time due to weaker party ties.

How stable is party ID across generations according to Englehardt?

Party ID tends to be highly stable across generations, influenced by political socialization within families and communities.