How Citizens Think about National Issues: A Matter of Responsibility

In: American journal of political science: AJPS, Band 33, Heft 4, S. 878-900

Abstract

A "domain-specific" theory of public opinion (PO) is advanced in which the primary consideration that controls PO on an issue is the assignment of responsibility for that issue. Two levels of responsibility are discussed: causal responsibility relates to an issue's origin, while responsibility for treatment emphasizes alleviation of the problem defined in the issue. Four issues -- poverty, racial inequality, crime, & terrorism -- were tested in a study in which participants (N not specified) recruited from Suffolk County, NY, completed questionnaires before & after viewing videotapes relating to these issues. The results show that for all issues, the assignment of responsibility affects opinions despite partisanship, political orientation, additional information, & socioeconomic status. Generally, those assigned responsibility for cause are looked at in a negative sense, but those assigned responsibility for treatment & cure are viewed in a positive manner. Thus, one must consider the importance of domain-specific theory when researching PO. 6 Tables, 1 Appendix, 37 References. J. W. Stanton