Question 1

Which of the following describes an understanding of the term "public opinion" (found in scholarly literature) ?

Accepted Answer

Public opinion encompasses a broad understanding that includes the aggregation of individual opinions, the influence of elite opinions, and the range of views people feel comfortable expressing in public. Each of these aspects contributes to the scholarly conceptualization of public opinion, reflecting its multifaceted nature.

Question 2

Lin is taking a course where everyone who participates in class discussions expresses liberal political views. Lin disagrees with the classmates' views in many ways but refrains from speaking up in discussions, as he/she worries about being judged or isolated by classmates.
Which term best describes what shapes Lin's behavior?

Accepted Answer

Lin's behavior is shaped by the fear of isolation, which is the concern about being socially ostracized or judged negatively by others for having differing opinions. This fear can lead individuals to refrain from expressing their true beliefs in a group setting.

Question 3

A campus newspaper covers an upcoming election of student representatives and includes many testimonials (brief interviews) of students who support election candidate A. As a result, most students on campus believe the majority will vote for candidate A, even though in reality the majority of students believes election candidate B has the better political platform and intends to vote for candidate B. Which term best describes the above situation?

Accepted Answer

The situation described is an example of a "dual climate of opinion," where the public perception (in this case, influenced by the campus newspaper's coverage) differs from the actual majority opinion among the students.

Question 4

A(n) maintains and expresses a certain political preference, even when a new, different political preference is becoming predominant.

Accepted Answer

A hard core group maintains and expresses a certain political preference, even when a new, different political preference is becoming predominant. This term describes a segment of a group or society that remains steadfast in its views despite changing circumstances or popular opinion shifts.

Question 5

In what way might internet users gauge public opinion online?
By examining:

Accepted Answer

All of the options provided are methods through which internet users can gauge public opinion online. "Likes" or reactions offer a direct measure of approval or disapproval, individual posts provide personal opinions and insights, and mass media news commentary reflects broader societal views and reactions.

Question 6

Willingness to express an opinion is higher in an online context compared to an offline context

Accepted Answer

The answer of Willingness to express an opinion is higher...

Question 7

According to the Spiral of Silence theory, the mass media …

Accepted Answer

The Spiral of Silence theory posits that the mass media play a crucial role in shaping perceptions of public opinion, by providing indications of status or shifts in opinion, which in turn influences individuals to either express or withhold their views.

Question 8

According to Spiral of Silence theory, expression of opinions is shaped by…

Accepted Answer

The Spiral of Silence theory posits that individuals may refrain from expressing their opinions if they perceive they are in the minority, due to fear of isolation or social rejection.

Question 9

According to Spiral of Silence theory, the quasi-statistical sense a person has of the opinion
Climate in his/her social environment is influenced by…

Accepted Answer

The Spiral of Silence theory posits that an individual's perception of the prevailing public opinion (or their quasi-statistical sense) is influenced by both mass media and interpersonal encounters. These factors contribute to shaping what they believe is the dominant or popular opinion, affecting their willingness to express dissenting views.

Question 10

Spiral of silence theory was developed before the internet age and roots in experiences from the Nazi-era in Germany. Research indicates that it does apply well to online contexts of opinion expression.

Accepted Answer

The spiral of silence theory, developed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann in the 1970s, was indeed formulated before the advent of the internet and was influenced by observations of public opinion dynamics in Nazi Germany. Subsequent research has found that the theory's principles also apply to online contexts, where fear of isolation can influence individuals' willingness to express dissenting opinions in digital environments.

Question 11

According to Spiral of Silence theory, which of the following is true:

Accepted Answer

The Spiral of Silence theory suggests that individuals are more likely to express their opinions if they perceive that their views align with the majority, due to fear of isolation or social rejection.

Question 12

John sees a lot of emotionally-charged postings about gun control in his social media feed that contradict his own opinion. He subsequently avoids that topic in conversations. Which theory explains this best?

Accepted Answer

The Spiral of Silence theory explains how individuals may avoid expressing their opinions on controversial topics when they perceive that their views are in the minority, due to fear of isolation or reprisal.

Question 13

Maria believes that Americans in general support the president and is a supporter herself. In her group of friends that she interacts with regularly, the majority of people strongly dislike the president. Which concept from the Spiral of Silence Theory framework is relevant for this scenario?

Accepted Answer

The concept of a "reference group" is relevant here, as it refers to the group of friends Maria interacts with, which influences her perception of the president's support despite her own beliefs.

Question 14

Which of the following is a common way scholars conceptualize public opinion?

Accepted Answer

Public opinion is often conceptualized as the aggregation of individual opinions, reflecting the collective preferences and attitudes of the public on various issues.

Question 15

Ali is having dinner with his parents and states that he supports stricter immigration laws. Would this be considered public opinion expression?

Accepted Answer

Public opinion expression typically refers to expressing views in a public forum or setting where they can influence or reflect broader societal views. Ali's statement is made in a private setting with his parents, not in a public context.

Question 16

Elli does not think that gay marriage should be legal, despite growing support for gay marriage among Americans. According to the Spiral of Silence theory framework, Eli could be considered a member of what kind of group?

Accepted Answer

The Spiral of Silence theory posits that individuals who perceive their opinions as being in the minority or unpopular are less likely to express those opinions publicly due to fear of isolation. The "hard core" group within this theory refers to those who continue to voice their opinions despite their perception of being in the minority or facing potential backlash, which could apply to Elli's stance on gay marriage.

Question 17

A Dual Opinion Climate occurs when what happens?

Accepted Answer

A Dual Opinion Climate occurs when the perceived majority opinion is not the actual majority opinion, often due to social pressures or misinformation.

Question 18

In theorizing regarding public opinion, denotes a group of individuals who take a new view/position on an issue that is not (yet) popular.

Accepted Answer

Avantgarde refers to individuals or groups that adopt new or experimental ideas and methods, especially in the arts or culture, but the term can also apply to any group that takes new or innovative positions on issues before those views become widely accepted or mainstream.

Quiz 8: Your Opinion Expression in a Public Context