Chapter_6_Outline

Public Opinion

Describes what the population thinks about politics and government.

Latent Opinion

An opinion formed on the spot, only when needed; distinct from a deeply held opinion.

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals learn and acquire political beliefs and values from their families and environment.

Cohort Effects

Social categories or groups such as gender, race, or education level that influence an individual's opinion.

Sampling Error

The predicted difference between the average opinion expressed by survey respondents and the average opinion in the population.

Issue Scale

A survey response format in which respondents select their answers from a range of positions between two extremes.

Ideological Polarization

The degree of divergence in political beliefs among the population, which may appear to exist despite the majority identifying as moderates.

Policy Mood

A summary measure of Americans' policy preferences regarding what the government should do in society.

Survey Methods

Techniques used to gather information about public opinion, with challenges including randomness and question wording.

Trust in Government

The level of confidence citizens have in their government, which has declined steadily since the 1960s.