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Judging the positions of political candidates: Models of assimilation and contrast

Judging the positions of political candidates: Models of assimilation and contrast Research has suggested that voters misperceive positions that are espoused by political candidates. Evidence indicates that voters who like a candidate assimilate the candidate's position to their own position on an issue, but little evidence has been found for contrast among those who dislike a candidate. The present study, using data from the 1968 Center for Political Studies National Election Study, examined these claims both formally and empirically. It was found that a series of possible errors or misspecifications have biased the estimates of assimilation and contrast. A new model for assessing assimilation and contrast that overcomes some of these misspecifications is presented. Results suggest that previous research has relatively underestimated the strength of contrast effects. (27 ref) http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Personality and Social Psychology American Psychological Association

Judging the positions of political candidates: Models of assimilation and contrast

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References (25)

Publisher
American Psychological Association
Copyright
Copyright © 1983 American Psychological Association
ISSN
0022-3514
eISSN
1939-1315
DOI
10.1037/0022-3514.44.5.952
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Research has suggested that voters misperceive positions that are espoused by political candidates. Evidence indicates that voters who like a candidate assimilate the candidate's position to their own position on an issue, but little evidence has been found for contrast among those who dislike a candidate. The present study, using data from the 1968 Center for Political Studies National Election Study, examined these claims both formally and empirically. It was found that a series of possible errors or misspecifications have biased the estimates of assimilation and contrast. A new model for assessing assimilation and contrast that overcomes some of these misspecifications is presented. Results suggest that previous research has relatively underestimated the strength of contrast effects. (27 ref)

Journal

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology – American Psychological Association

Published: May 1, 1983

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