Question 1

How does completing a civics class in high school impact political socialization?

Accepted Answer

Completing a civics class in high school increases support for democracy as a system of government by providing students with a better understanding of democratic principles and institutions. This, in turn, can impact their political socialization in a positive way, as they are more likely to engage in democratic processes and advocate for democratic values. It does not necessarily impact support for a particular political party or reduce the likelihood of protesting government actions, nor does it necessarily make people more evenhanded or moderate in their political attitudes.

Question 2

In a survey about 9/11, pollsters found that the percentage of Americans aged 50 and over who believed that luck was the major reason there had not been another large attack since 9/11 was nearly double the percentage of Americans aged 18 to 29 who expressed the same belief. What is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of generational effects, as it highlights the differences in beliefs and attitudes between different age groups, specifically those aged 50 and over versus those aged 18 to 29. It suggests that the experiences and events that have shaped these different generations have led to distinct opinions and perspectives.

Question 3

Where do most people's political opinions and ideologies start forming?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that most people's political opinions and ideologies start forming during childhood and adolescence, often through interactions with their parents and families. Familial socialization plays a significant role in shaping a person's political beliefs and values. Other factors, such as education, peer groups, and the media, can also contribute, but parental influence is believed to be the most powerful. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

Question 4

What is political socialization?

Accepted Answer

Political socialization refers to the process by which an individual's political opinions and beliefs are shaped and influenced by various factors, such as family, peers, media, education, and community. It is a lifelong process of learning and adapting to new ideas and values, and it plays a crucial role in shaping citizens' attitudes and behaviors towards politics and government. Therefore, option D is the best choice that reflects the definition of political socialization.

Question 5

The fact that people are socialized into politics by their family and community means that:

Accepted Answer

Socialization into politics by family and community can have a lasting impact on one's sense of civic duty and political ideology as an adult. However, it is still possible for individuals to modify their political principles and opinions over time, and other sources of influence such as education and life experiences can also play a role in shaping political beliefs.

Question 6

Which of the following is one of the "Big Five" personality traits that political psychologists believe may affect political socialization?

Accepted Answer

The "Big Five" personality traits consist of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Political psychologists believe that these traits may affect political socialization. The other choices (trustworthiness, happiness, socioeconomic status, pathology) are not part of the "Big Five" personality traits.

Question 7

For most people, broad-based beliefs such as ideology and partisanship tend to:

Accepted Answer

Broad-based beliefs such as ideology and partisanship tend to remain stable over time for most people. These beliefs are often deeply rooted and difficult to change.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the contemporary political science perspective on public opinion?

Accepted Answer

Most people's political opinions are considered latent, meaning they are not fully formed until they are needed, such as during elections or when prompted by surveys.

Question 9

What is a latent opinion?

Accepted Answer

A latent opinion is a view that is formed on the spot, as needed, rather than being a long-held or deeply ingrained belief.

Question 10

Self-identified Republicans and Democrats judge government spending differently depending on whether a Republican or Democrat made the proposal. This demonstrates that:

Accepted Answer

This demonstrates that people often form opinions based on their party affiliation and the context of the proposal, rather than a consistent set of principles, indicating that opinions can be influenced by a variety of considerations.

Question 11

Maria is asked to take a survey. One of the questions asks her about her views on the new head of the Federal Reserve. While Maria had not really thought about it before, she was able to come up with an answer. This is an example of a(n):

Accepted Answer

Maria did not have a pre-existing opinion on the new head of the Federal Reserve, making it a latent opinion that was brought to the surface through the survey question.

Question 12

Public opinion research shows that broad beliefs such as what a person wants from government:

Accepted Answer

Public opinion research has shown that broad beliefs about what one wants from government typically form early in life, influenced by family, socialization, and personal experiences. These beliefs may be reinforced or altered throughout life, but they tend to be stable over time.

Question 13

A(n) ________ is defined as a large number of people who change from identifying with one political party to identifying with the other.

Accepted Answer

A realignment is a significant shift in the political coalitions that support each party, often resulting from a major event or issue that causes voters to reevaluate their party identification. Realignments can occur when large groups of voters change their allegiances from one party to another, leading to a reshaping of the political landscape.

Question 14

People tend to have similar political views as their parents:

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that both genetic factors and the environment in which individuals are raised contribute to the similarity in political views between parents and their children.

Question 15

What is the most common relationship between parents and children when it comes to political ideology and partisanship?

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that family is a strong influence on political socialization and that children tend to adopt the political beliefs of their parents. While there can be instances of disagreement or rebellion, the most common relationship between parents and children in terms of political ideology and partisanship is that they share the same views.

Question 16

Political scientist John Zaller showed that opinion changes generated by an event or some other piece of new information are more likely when:

Accepted Answer

When individuals do not have a preexisting set of principles with which to interpret an event or new information, they are more likely to be open to changing their opinion. Having preexisting opinions or beliefs can create cognitive biases that make it difficult to accept new information that contradicts those beliefs. This is known as confirmation bias. Therefore, option E is the best choice.

Question 17

Things such as ideology, party identification, religious beliefs, and personal circumstances that people use to form a latent opinion are known as what?

Accepted Answer

Consideration refers to the various factors, including ideology, party identification, religious beliefs, and personal circumstances, that individuals use to form latent opinions.

Question 18

What does it mean that people often form opinions on the spot?

Accepted Answer

People often form opinions based on information they have recently seen or heard, indicating a sensitivity to current events or information. This can be seen in the prevalence of hot takes on social media and news commentary.

Question 19

Research shows that growing up in a homogeneous community:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research shows that growing up in a...

Question 20

What led to the development of a new theory of public opinion?

Accepted Answer

New research rejecting the old premise that citizens' beliefs had to be internally consistent, stable, and based on a rationale that citizens could explain led to the development of a new theory of public opinion.

Quiz 6: Public Opinion