Public Opinion by Glynn, Carroll J. -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of Illustrations and Boxes Preface PART ONE: INTRODUCING PUBLIC OPINION

1 | The Meanings of Public Opinion

Why Study Public Opinion? The Meaning of Public Opinion Dimensions of Public Opinion Which Meaning of Public Opinion Is Best?

2 | The History of Public Opinion

3 | Methods for Studying Public Opinion

Survey Research: Aggregating Individual Opinions Focus Groups: Using Group Dynamics to Measure Public Opinion Experimental Methods and Opinion Research Content Analysis of Mass Media: “Archives” of Public Opinion Conclusion

PART TWO: THEORIES OF PUBLIC OPINION

4 | Public Opinion and Democratic Theory

Why Theories? Meanings and Mechanisms of Democracy Normative Theories of Democracy and the Problem of Democratic Competence Empirical Theories of Public Opinion and Policy Elements of Democratic Competence Conclusion

5 | Psychological Perspectives on Public Opinion

6 | Stereotyping, Social Norms, and Public Opinion

Attribution Theory Stereotyping Social Norms Sociological Accounts of Opinion: Traces of In-Group Conformity? Conclusion

7 | Perception and Opinion Formation

The Limits of Perception Perception and Opinion: Socialization and Social Comparison Perception and Public Opinion Formation Public Opinion as a Social Process Conclusion and Implications for the Future

8 | Economic Approaches

Induction and Deduction Economic Explanations and Rational Choice Perspectives Rational Choice and Psychology Conclusion

PART THREE: PUBLIC OPINION IN CONTEXT

9 | Content and Conflict in Public Opinion

The Public’s Level of Political Knowledge American Public Opinion: Consensus and Contestation Understanding American Attitudes about Race Conclusion

10 | Public Opinion and Policymaking

Constraint, Impulsion, or Irrelevance? Testing Policy Responsiveness Changes and Variations in Responsiveness to Public Opinion Is Government Responsiveness to Public Opinion Democratic? Conclusion

11 | Mass Media, Campaigning, and the Public

Communication, Mass Media, and Public Opinion: Early Development and Perspectives Who Decides What the Media Present? The Effects of Mass Media on Public Opinion Reconsiderations of Media Effects Campaigning and Opinion Change Election Campaigns Conclusion: How Well Do the Media Serve Public Opinion?

12 | Looking Ahead

Index