4.6 Effect of Public Opinion on Debate

Bandwagon Effect

the tendency for people to follow the results of national polls, as individuals are more likely to conform to public opinion and support a candidate perceived as a winner rather than a loser.

What are the 2 reasons for why Polls may fail to represent results?

social responsibility bias: the idea that people give a socially desirable answer when filling out a survey or respond with what ppl believe pollsters want to hear to avoid judgement. Some may say they will vote however they went proceed through with their statement.

Non-response Bias: The idea that certain groups of people are more likely to respond than others. “Shy voters” who do not wish to provide their opinion may skew poll results due to their desire to avoid judgement, as their beliefs might oppose social norms and current media/public sentiment.

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