Poll Analysis Instructions

This assignment asks you to analyze the results of a political public opinion poll published in a newspaper or in a news magazine over the past year. Analyze the results in terms of the theories of public opinion we have covered in lectures and readings. Make explicit references to course materials. Outside reading and research are not required (except for finding the poll results), though you may supplement your analysis with additional materials if you wish. You are expected to critique the polling techniques and presentation as well. The analysis should be 3-5 pages.

Political Science 463

Public Opinion and Elections

Final Exam

Summer, 2002

Instructions: Your answers will be graded using the following three criteria: clarity of definition of concepts, discussion of significance of concepts chosen, and presentation of examples. You should be sure to cite reading and lectures materials where relevant. This includes materials from the Erikson and Pomper books, where relevant.  The exam is due in my box  no later than 10 am Thurs., July 11.  Since I am leaving the country on Friday, no late exams are acceptable.

Answer 3 (three) of the following questions. 20 % each

1.      Using the 2000 election as an example, describe the following media effects on public opinion: agenda setting, priming and framing.

2.      What accounts for the gender gap in political knowledge? Are women less knowledge than men about politics?   

3.      Using Table 6.2 on p. 138 of The Election of 2000 evaluate whether their were significant differences or similarities between the votes of major social categories in the 2000 and 1996 election.

4.      Using the Frankovic and McDermott chapter in The Election of 2000 evaluate the importance of morality in government and the size and role of government in explaining public opinion in the 2000 election.

5.      Using the material in Election 2000, evaluate why Gore lost. Be sure to include the role of parties, social forces and campaign effects –particularly the role of issues and character in the campaign.  

6.      How would you evaluate the actual role of TV as a media of political persuasion given the following research findings cited by Tabb in class? “Of those who view television commercials, many will not pay attention. Of those who do, some will not agree. Of those who are persuaded and remember the message many may not act on it”?   

Answer the following short essay question. 40%

Tabb has commented on the changing role of the following three variables in explaining the individual voting decision in presidential elections party identification, issue voting, and candidate evaluation. Given your understanding of these variables changing role what impact have these variable had on realigning, maintaining, deviating and dealigning elections?