22nd Annual Student Research Conference
The Effects of Political Affiliation and Political Ideology on Attitudes Toward Current Issues and Political Advertising
Sara B. Perrachione* and Kristel N. Givogue
Dr. Judith M. Misale, Faculty Mentor
Two weeks before the 2008 election, 213 males and females participated in the fifth iteration of studies assessing the effects of political affiliation and ideology on participants' political attitudes and behaviors. This study examines political issues including health care, the Iraq War, and nuclear proliferation. We also investigated participants' attitudes about the efficacy of negative advertisements and their appropriateness as political tools, and participants' perceptions of the influence of political advertising on them relative to most voters. We likewise assessed political involvement, such as debates watched and intent to vote. A post-test follow-up study of 176 participants from the initial research determined whether these participants actually voted, for whom they voted, and their political affiliation. This sample reported a higher voting rate than samples previously assessed. Surprisingly, Democrats and Republicans differed less than expected and Independents exhibited the most conservative responses. Details of these and other effects will be discussed.
Keywords: Politics, Society, Advertising, Election, Voting
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 36-2
Location: VH 1010
Time: 1:30