AP Gov Chapter 6

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals develop their political values and opinions.

Agents of Socialization

The individuals, organizations, and institutions that facilitate the acquisition of political views and values (e.g., family, media, schools, peers, religious institutions).

Gender Gap

The measurable difference in the way women and men vote for candidates and in the way they view political issues.

Generational Effect

The impact of an important external event in shaping the views of a generation.

Public Opinion

The public’s expressed views about an issue at a specific point in time.

Public Opinion Poll

A survey of a given population’s opinion on an issue or a candidate at a particular point in time.

Population

In polling, the target group of people whose views are being measured.

Random Sampling

A scientific method of selection in which each member of the population has an equal chance of being included in the sample.

Sample

In polling, the group of people who are selected to represent the population being studied

Sampling Error (Margin of Error)

A statistical measure of the accuracy of a poll; it represents the difference between the sample result and the true population value.

Tracking Polls

Polls that measure changes in public opinion over time by repeatedly asking small samples of people the same questions.

Exit Polls

Polls conducted at polling places on Election Day to project election results and determine how people voted.

Push Polls

Polls that provide information to respondents about a candidate in a way that is designed to manipulate their opinions.

Straw Polls

Unscientific surveys used to gauge public opinion on a variety of issues and policies.