Chapter 6 Sources of Public Opinion

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and important ideas related to sources of public opinion as discussed in the lecture.

What is Political Socialization?

The process by which individuals acquire their political values and outlooks.

Factors influencing Political Socialization:

Parents and friends, education, religion, race, life events, and gender.

How do economic conditions affect voting behavior?

People vote based on their economic self-interest; wealthier individuals tend to vote for lower taxes, while poorer individuals tend to vote for social programs.

What is the role of Political Elites?

Political elites are individuals with significant wealth, status, or power who influence public debates and shape agenda through framing issues.

What is the Ideology Spectrum?

A scale that ranges from communism and socialism on the left, to liberal, center, conservative, and fascism on the right.

What is a Random Sample in polling?

A sample where every member of the population has an equal probability of being selected.

What are Benchmark polls?

Polls conducted at the beginning of a campaign to provide a comparison or 'benchmark' for later polls.

What are Push Polls?

Polls disguised as surveys that promote a particular viewpoint, often leading the respondents towards a specific answer.

What is Response Bias?

The tendency of poll respondents to misstate their views to avoid disclosing socially undesirable opinions.

What is an Approval Rating?

A measure of public support for a political figure or institution.

What is a Policy Agenda?

The issues covered by the media that the public considers important, influencing political action.