Literaturnachweis - Detailanzeige
Autor/inn/en | Anderson, James A.; und weitere |
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Titel | An Analysis of Changes in Voter Perception of Candidates' Positions. |
Quelle | (1977), (28 Seiten)
PDF als Volltext |
Dokumenttyp | gedruckt; online; Monographie |
Schlagwörter | Communications; Debate; Mass Media; Media Research; Perception; Political Attitudes; Political Influences; Political Issues; Public Opinion; Questionnaires; Television Research; Television Surveys; Voting |
Abstract | In an effort to discover the effects of mass media on viewer perception of candidates' positions, tests were administered to 10 to 12 families at each of five locations across the country immediately following each of the 1976 Carter-Ford debates. Sixteen statements were drawn from the presidential platform of each party and each statement was evaluated by the respondent as self, as Carter, and as Ford on standard five-point agree/disagree scales. The following conclusions were made: (1) the notion that voters move their positions toward the position of the candidate of their choice and that presidential campaigns induce a substantial part of the voters to switch candidates was not supported; (2) for most voters, the fall presidential campaigns served a maintenance or reinforcing function for previously made decisions; (3) the same campaign can serve both to reduce and to increase perceived polarity between candidates; and (4) families showing independent choices among the members are rare. In general, the family provided a firm reference for voting behavior and apparently was more forceful in influencing family members to change their preference than were the televised debates. (Three illustrative tables and a sample questionnaire are included.) (JF) |
Erfasst von | ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC |