Section Objectives
- Explain and utilize a causal inference framework to construct, discuss, and critically analyze research arguments.
- Define party identification, and the social factors that influence it, using research literature and conceptual examples
- Analyze the core findings of Bullock (2011), and link it to theories that suggest attitudes and opinions are more impactful than party.
- Analyze Druckman, et al (2013), and link it to theories that suggest party idenfitication is more impactful than attitudes and opinions.
- Define media effects, and the key terms related to it, using research literature and conceptual examples.
- Discuss Chapter 8, Iyengar and McGrady (2011), specifically focusing on media effects and arguments for and against their existence.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Agenda Setting
- Framing
- Funnel Theory of Party I.D.
- Heuristics
- Media Effects
- Motivated Reasoning
- Party Cue
- Party Identification
- Priming
- Retrospective Voting
- "Running Tally"
- Socialization
- Theory of Maximal Consequences of Media
- Theory of Minimal Consequences of Media
Section Slides
**See attached .pdf file.
Summaries of Selected Weekly Readings
| Author | Puzzle | Hypothesis | Dependent Variable | Independent Variable(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iyengar & McGrady (2011) |
Can media influence a citizen’s view and policy opinion? If so, how?
|
Minimal Consequences: Media presentations do not have a profound impact on public opinion. Voters use retrospective voting, previous preferences, and information instead. |
Voter Public Opinion and Attitudes | Running Tally, Preferences, Context |
| Iyengar & McGrady (2011) |
Can media influence a citizen’s view and policy opinion? If so, how? |
Maximum Consequences: Public opinion is sensitive to media discussion. Argues agenda-setting, priming, framing, and filtering influence voter sentiment. |
Voter Public Opinion and Attitudes | Media: Agenda Setting, Issue Salience, Exposure to Topics |
| Bullock (2011) |
How do party cues and policy information influence voters? What are the differences between them? |
Party positions impact voters less than policy information. |
Voter Public Opinion and Attitudes | Party Positions, and Policy Information |
| Druckman, et al (2013) |
Has elite polarization changed how citizens arrive at policy opinions? |
Partisans will support a frame sponsored by their party at a greater rate. |
Voter Public Opinion and Attitudes | Partisanship, Party Positions |
