psci 2305 exam 1 (1-5)
Which of the following conditions that resulted from the Telecommunications Act of 1996 does the author contend may be a problem but appears to occur only rarely? Corporate consolidation of radio stations has reduced diversity in radio programming. A news channel's parent company may quash a news story if the story paints the parent company in an unfavorable light. Independently owned local newspapers offer more local news coverage than corporately owned newspapers. Corporately owned newspapers offer more national news coverage than local newspapers.
A news channel's parent company may quash a news story if the story paints the parent company in an unfavorable light.
Why are news media so important to a functioning democracy? A strong democracy requires high voter participation, and the content of news coverage is the primary reason why voter turnout is so high in the United States. A strong democracy requires strong political parties, and news media are a primary source of information about political parties for most voters. A strong democracy requires an informed citizenry, and news media are a primary source of information for most voters. A strong democracy requires a relaxed and entertained citizenry, and news media are a primary source of entertainment for most voters.
A strong democracy requires an informed citizenry, and news media are a primary source of information for most voters.
What concern does the Associated Press have about news aggregators? Aggregators allow the government to censor stories in exchange for ignoring copyright violations. Aggregators report the news faster but make more mistakes in doing so. Aggregators undercut the revenue that newspapers and magazines depend on. Aggregators lure the best reporters away from newspapers and magazines by promising higher salaries.
Aggregators undercut the revenue that newspapers and magazines depend on.
Which of the following is an accurate statement about congressional job approval? Congress's approval ratings have fluctuated dramatically since 2012. Congress's approval ratings usually hover around 50 percent. Americans generally approve of Congress as an institution. Americans' attitudes toward Congress are often informed by partisanship.
Americans' attitudes toward Congress are often informed by partisanship.
Which ethnic group experienced the slowest population growth rate in Texas from 2010 to 2018? other races Anglos Hispanics African Americans
Anglos
Reporters Julie Rose and Sarah Batista are similar in which of the following ways? Both are searching for a political angle to the stories they're covering. Both are focused on getting quality recorded material from their interviews. Both intend to highlight the hypocrisy or dishonesty of elected officials. Both are pursuing stories that have a high degree of shock value.
Both are focused on getting quality recorded material from their interviews.
What did studies from the 1950s reveal about public opinion? There was a high level of consistency in public opinion. The American people tended to be fairly conservative. Citizens possessed low levels of political knowledge. Citizens behaved much differently than the Founders expected.
Citizens possessed low levels of political knowledge.
Given the challenges presented by measurement error, what does the author of this essay conclude? Since respondents do not hold true attitudes, measurement error is not a significant concern for a survey. The public should place little trust in poll results, given their flaws. Despite their flaws, surveys are still the best method of measuring public opinion. There is no way to avoid measurement error; therefore, there is no accurate way of measuring public opinion.
Despite their flaws, surveys are still the best method of measuring public opinion.
What is the difference between early news aggregators and next-generation aggregators? Early aggregators were driven by social media sites, whereas next-generation aggregators are driven by RSS feeds. Early aggregators used algorithms to push news to users, whereas next-generation aggregators are driven by user subscriptions. Early aggregators were driven by user subscriptions, whereas next-generation aggregators use algorithms to push news to users. Early aggregators were driven by RSS feeds, whereas next-generation aggregators are driven by user subscriptions.
Early aggregators were driven by user subscriptions, whereas next-generation aggregators use algorithms to push news to users.
According to Craig Silverman's analysis, why was fake news a problem in the final few months before the 2016 presidential election? Fake news stories were more widely consumed than real news stories on Facebook. Fake news stories generated revenue that was illegally funneled to the presidential campaigns. Fake news contributed to rising media costs. Fake news suppressed voter turnout.
Fake news stories were more widely consumed than real news stories on Facebook.
What happened when newspaper coverage of health care reform declined? Fewer people viewed it as the most important issue facing the country. People forgot about the issue completely. People clamored for more stories on the issue. More people viewed it as the most important issue facing the country.
Fewer people viewed it as the most important issue facing the country.
Who was the first president to use a private polling firm? Franklin Roosevelt John F. Kennedy Woodrow Wilson Dwight D. Eisenhower
Franklin Roosevelt
Which president had the highest approval rating at the midpoint of his first term? Barack Obama George H.W. Bush George W. Bush Donald Trump
George H.W. Bush
Persuasion works best under which of the following circumstances? Individuals lack knowledge of the subject. Individuals have a strong ideological bias. The content is heavily pro-liberal, regardless of the issue. Individuals lack interest in the subject.
Individuals lack knowledge of the subject.
Which of the following could be considered an advantage of infotainment? It reflects a commitment to professionalism. It highlights the complexity of modern news stories. It attracts audiences who otherwise wouldn't follow politics. It reduces opportunities for the media to be sued for libel.
It attracts audiences who otherwise wouldn't follow politics.
What does Figure 3 illustrate about the tone of different media during the 2016 presidential election campaign? It shows that Trump and Clinton received about the same amount of negative coverage in the last week of the campaign. It shows that Clinton began the campaign with more negative coverage than Trump did. It shows that social media was a driving force behind the tone of presidential campaign coverage. It shows that Clinton always received more negative coverage than Trump.
It shows that Trump and Clinton received about the same amount of negative coverage in the last week of the campaign.
Texas's size and history, as well as its political and cultural variety, have contributed to the development of what might be called a "pragmatic center." Which of the following statements is true regarding the pragmatic center in Texas? It is quite moderate, and compares to the pragmatic center of coastal metropolises of the United States. The pragmatic center has been dominated by the Democratic Party and its associated interest groups. It tends to reflect relatively conservative, pro-business policy preferences. The pragmatic center in Texas reflects the historical strength of both parties, and is particularly influenced by populist values.
It tends to reflect relatively conservative, pro-business policy preferences.
Which of the following is true of the Holocaust question in the 1992 American Jewish Committee poll? It presented respondents with a series of preliminary questions intended to lead them to a necessary conclusion. It offered a limited range of response options, requiring participants to select an answer about their Holocaust beliefs that was not consistent with their true attitude. It asked respondents to agree or disagree with a number of assertions posed in the question. It used a double negative, leading some respondents to reply that the Holocaust may have never happened.
It used a double negative, leading some respondents to reply that the Holocaust may have never happened.
What was the main problem associated with the polling methods of the Literary Digest? It used badly worded questions. It used a small sample size. Its respondents were not randomly selected. It was in competition with Gallup polls.
Its respondents were not randomly selected.
Who believed that the best form of government is one that is only INDIRECTLY influenced by public opinion? James Madison the anti-Federalists Abraham Lincoln Brutus
James Madison
When thinking about the role of public opinion in the democratic process, what do most citizens believe? Lawmakers should follow the public's will, even if it runs counter to their own best judgment. Lawmakers should typically submit to the public will, unless it is clear that the public's will on a particular issue is immoral or factually baseless. Lawmakers should rely upon the public will or their own best judgment depending on the issue that is being considered. While lawmakers should consider the public's will, they should ultimately rely upon their own best judgment when making decisions about public policy.
Lawmakers should follow the public's will, even if it runs counter to their own best judgment.
What impact did "muckraking" have on the political climate? Led to new laws limiting professional journalism. Created the conditions necessary for the Freedom of Information Act. Led to widespread discontent with political corruption. Restored public faith in political institutions.
Led to widespread discontent with political corruption.
Which of the following resulted from the 1980 election between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter? Voter polling methods became much more scientific than in the past. The use of straw polling was established. Media outlets agreed to wait to call races until all polls on the West Coast had closed. Presidents began to employ the services of polling firms.
Media outlets agreed to wait to call races until all polls on the West Coast had closed.
Direct Spanish influence on the culture of Texas is overshadowed by which of the following related cultural influences? Cuban culture Mexican culture Italian culture Brazilian culture
Mexican culture
Which of the following identifies two key elements of ethical media behavior? Report the truth and respect the government. Be fair and satisfy audiences. Act independently and turn a profit. Minimize harm and be accountable.
Minimize harm and be accountable.
What does Figure 1 indicate about public perception of media bias? Most liberals think that media are too liberal. Most moderates think that media are too liberal. Most conservatives think that media are too liberal. Most liberals think that media are too conservative.
Most conservatives think that media are too liberal.
Philip Converse's 1964 study revealed which of the following about the electorate? Most voters have stable views about politics. Most voters' attitudes about issues are not consistent. Most voters are aware of key political institutions and processes. Most voters are able to identify political leaders and policies.
Most voters' attitudes about issues are not consistent.
What are the two primary roles media play in reporting the news? News media alert us about important issues and then investigate them. News media reinforce political attitudes and regulate government activity. News media alert us about important issues and regulate news coverage. News media create accidental viewers and investigate policy issues.
News media alert us about important issues and then investigate them.
What role does the media play in setting the political agenda? News outlets choose which stories receive public attention. Presidents use the media to dictate public policy to state governors. Revenue from politically slanted news programs is used to fund Democratic or Republican campaigns. Reporters tell members of Congress what legislation to pass.
News outlets choose which stories receive public attention.
According to former president Barack Obama, what is the problem with the media ecosystem? Advertisers are directing content. No one can afford quality journalism. No one agrees on the facts. Government agencies are censoring information.
No one agrees on the facts.
Which of the following offers a reason why government leaders SHOULD pay attention to public opinion? Incumbents who base most of their decisions on public opinion stand a better chance of getting reelected. People lose trust in government when their leaders fail to adequately represent public opinion. The public is extremely well informed and usually knows what's best for the country. In a representative democracy, national leaders make decisions to promote the public good.
People lose trust in government when their leaders fail to adequately represent public opinion.
Which of the following offers a reason why government leaders SHOULD NOT pay attention to public opinion? The political system permits leaders to ignore public opinion and skirt accountability. Elected officials must represent the will of the people. Polling organizations do not always conduct meaningful surveys. The public will lose trust in government.
Polling organizations do not always conduct meaningful surveys.
What idea does the phrase "accidental viewer" express? Prior to the rise of cable television, few Americans watched the news because it was easier to accidentally forget when it was on television. With more cable news channels, Americans are less likely to watch the news. With more cable news channels, Americans are more likely to watch the news. Prior to the rise of cable television, fewer channel choices meant some Americans were likely to watch the news even if they didn't really like watching the news.
Prior to the rise of cable television, fewer channel choices meant some Americans were likely to watch the news even if they didn't really like watching the news.
Based on Table 2, whose supporters were most likely to have not known whether they received the Literary Digest ballot? Roosevelt both Roosevelt and Landon Landon other
Roosevelt
Based on the essay, what may occur as a consequence of sampling error? Survey participants will have a tendency to agree with a range of questions on a survey. Survey participants will alter their responses because they are aware that they are in a study. Survey participants will not be representative of the broader population. Survey participants will be uncertain about what is being asked in the survey questions.
Survey participants will not be representative of the broader population.
What has proven to be the biggest impediment to government regulation of the internet? The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that congressional efforts to restrict obscenity on the internet are a violation of the First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech. Congress has been unwilling to pursue legislation to restrict obscenity on the internet. The FCC has not yet bothered to attempt to regulate the internet, despite its clear authority to do so. The president has been too aggressive in issuing executive orders to restrict access to the internet, leading to them being struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that congressional efforts to restrict obscenity on the internet are a violation of the First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech.
Which of the following is true of Texas's population growth? The increasing share of the population made up of ethnic minorities is poised to alter a political culture historically dominated by Anglos. The growing population of ethnic minorities in Texas is a result of their historical enjoyment of equal rights in the political process. While a growing share of the population is made up of ethnic minorities, these minorities have little influence over Texas's popular culture. Anglo Americans continue to be the majority ethnic group in Texas.
The increasing share of the population made up of ethnic minorities is poised to alter a political culture historically dominated by Anglos.
Which of the following statements best describes the trend in Americans' main source for news? The percentage of Americans who consider the internet their main source for news has increased over time. The percentage of Americans who consider newspapers their main source for news has increased over time. The percentage of Americans who consider radio their main source for news has remained constant over time. The percentage of Americans who consider television their main source for news has increased over time.
The percentage of Americans who consider the internet their main source for news has increased over time.
What happened when public opinion in Texas began to show more tolerance of same-sex relationships? County officials in Texas were flooded with applications from same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses. The polling results were greeted with surprise and skepticism. There was a violent outcry from social conservatives across the state. Elected officials in Texas immediately began to vote in favor of legalizing gay marriage.
The polling results were greeted with surprise and skepticism.
Why might corporate consolidation lead to more channels but less choice? The profit incentive encourages corporations to appeal to a broader audience by offering partisan news channels. The profit incentive encourages corporations to cover more policy than horse-race news stories. The profit incentive encourages corporations to have greater input over the types of news stories their news media holdings produce. The profit incentive encourages corporations to cut costs by offering similar types of shows.
The profit incentive encourages corporations to cut costs by offering similar types of shows.
What did the 2001 Kaiser/Public Perspective survey reveal? The public does not have a strong understanding of polling practices. The sheer number of polls that citizens are exposed to tends to make them more aware of polling practices. The public believes that polls accurately convey public preferences to policymakers. While they distrust polls, most Americans prefer polls over town hall meetings and other ways of communicating public opinion.
The public does not have a strong understanding of polling practices.
How has the profit incentive of corporate news ownership contributed to the rise in partisan media? The rise in partisanship among the American population means that partisan news channels can count on viewers from nearly 25 percent of the voting-age population. The profit incentive of corporate news ownership encourages business owners to attempt to shape and influence the opinions of American voters. The increase in the number of cable channels encourages news channels to cover roughly the same topics in similar ways. The rise in available entertainment television programming means that news channels can offer a particular partisan slant in their news offerings to loyal "niche" audiences.
The rise in available entertainment television programming means that news channels can offer a particular partisan slant in their news offerings to loyal "niche" audiences.
A margin of error of +/- 5 in an exit poll would indicate which of the following? The poll included 10 percent of eligible voters. A candidate won by 5 percentage points. The winner's actual vote percentage could be 5 percentage points higher or lower than predicted by the poll. Only 5 percent of the population was actually polled
The winner's actual vote percentage could be 5 percentage points higher or lower than predicted by the poll.
Which of the following statements accurately describes many Americans when they consider polling practices? They prefer a randomly selected sample to a sample where participants select themselves. They believe polls are more reliable than town hall meetings. They believe randomly selected samples lead to inaccurate conclusions. They have the ability to distinguish between "good" and "bad" polls.
They believe randomly selected samples lead to inaccurate conclusions.
Why do elected leaders and other political actors use elements of political culture to assist them in their efforts? Invoking elements of political culture is the only means by which they can communicate with voters. Invoking elements of political culture enables them to change this culture. They can use political culture to influence voters. They are not generally capable of original thinking.
They can use political culture to influence voters.
Which of the following is TRUE of indigenous groups in early Texas history? They consisted of a range of subgroups and cultures, which makes it difficult to generalize their contributions to Texas politics. Their cultural influences are still largely prevalent through contemporary Texas. They were not affected by the expansion of Anglo American settlements in the eastern part of the continent. Their primary cultural traits were influenced by their agricultural and trade practices.
They consisted of a range of subgroups and cultures, which makes it difficult to generalize their contributions to Texas politics.
Which of the following identifies one of the benefits of news aggregators? They expand the audience for both old and new media outlets. They offer additional fact-checking on each of the stories they circulate. They send people information that challenges their preexisting beliefs. They provide financial support for traditional newspapers and magazines.
They expand the audience for both old and new media outlets.
How do social news aggregators work? They generate lists based on the popularity of certain news items among high-volume users. They generate lists based on information from RSS feeds. They generate lists based on the popularity of certain news items among all users. They generate lists based on social media profiles.
They generate lists based on the popularity of certain news items among all users.
What does confirmation bias tell us about consumers of news? They are more likely to believe information that they have received from friends and family members. They like to receive information that supports their preexisting beliefs. They like to receive information that challenges their preexisting beliefs. They are more likely to believe information that has been verified by government agencies.
They like to receive information that supports their preexisting beliefs.
What happened to the approval ratings of President George W. Bush? They were affected positively by the economic situation in 2005. They were affected negatively by the terrorist attacks of 9/11. They peaked halfway through his second term. They peaked in late 2001 and then generally declined.
They peaked in late 2001 and then generally declined.
What role do public schools play in the process of political socialization? They teach political history and promote patriotism and civic engagement. They attempt to influence students to support politically conservative policies and candidates. They encourage debate over controversial issues and require political participation in the community. They attempt to influence students to support politically liberal policies and candidates.
They teach political history and promote patriotism and civic engagement.
What role do religious agents play in the process of political socialization? They teach political history and promote patriotism and civic engagement. They encourage debate over controversial issues and require political participation in the community. They tend to reproduce society's core values. They challenge and upend traditional values in favor of progressive agendas.
They tend to reproduce society's core values.
Most Americans hold which of the following views on the use of public opinion polls? They believe elected officials should make decisions irrespective of public opinion. They would not want to participate in public opinion polls. They believe the use of opinion polls is a waste of resources. They think government leaders should pay attention to public opinion.
They think government leaders should pay attention to public opinion.
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding African Americans in early Texas history? They were involved in Reconstruction politics and helped shape the current state constitution. Due to their citizenship status, they were not able to actively participate in military actions for the state. They didn't represent a significant portion of the population until the early 20th century. Their significant numbers in cities like Austin helped influence the dominant culture.
They were involved in Reconstruction politics and helped shape the current state constitution.
Why have Texans adopted a "low taxes, low services" approach to government? The Texas government is not equipped to offer services that are on par with those of other states. Texas's population is wealthy enough to have little need for government services. Texas politicians who have suggested income taxes have committed "political suicide." This approach has developed out of Texas's balance among classical liberalism, social conservatism, and populism.
This approach has developed out of Texas's balance among classical liberalism, social conservatism, and populism.
Which of the following statements is true of public opinion? Public attitudes on major issues tend to change rapidly and unexpectedly. Public opinion is often unpredictable and strikingly different from what political culture might suggest. Public polling is largely used by academics and ignored by elected officials. When survey researchers measure an attitude, they are really measuring an individual's predispositions and information.
When survey researchers measure an attitude, they are really measuring an individual's predispositions and information.
Based on the list above, which of the following questions would be the LEAST helpful to ask when evaluating the trustworthiness of polling information? What was the margin of error? Who asked the questions? How were the questions worded? In what order were the questions asked?
Who asked the questions?
Which of the following is a characteristic of the political climate in Texas after the civil rights movement? a comparatively low level of state-funded social services, which are kept minimal by a general hostility toward progressive taxation culturally liberal social policies in areas such as education, religion, and civil rights policies that support government-driven economic growth, such as environmental regulations that stimulate businesses a strong third-party influence that has offset the power of Democrats and Republicans
a comparatively low level of state-funded social services, which are kept minimal by a general hostility toward progressive taxation
What accounts for the "honeymoon period" that most presidents enjoy? a lack of a presidential record in office selection of a vice-presidential running mate voter misinformation improperly conducted opinion polls
a lack of a presidential record in office
In 2018, Anglos made up what percentage of Texas's population? about 38 percent a little over 25 percent a little over 40 percent about 52 percent
a little over 40 percent
Which of the following BEST describes political culture? the ways in which politicians and political actors interact with each other the scientific measurement of attitudes, also known as public opinion a set of shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that relate to government and politics the attitudes and values within political institutions ranging from small-town city councils to the federal government
a set of shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that relate to government and politics
Table 2 demonstrates that question wording can have what sort of impact on poll results? a significant impact a tiny impact a real but negligible impact an impact only if respondents fail to read the question closely
a significant impact
Why do double-barreled questions make it difficult to evaluate the public's opinion on an issue? because negative information is presented to respondents before they answer a question about an issue because it is difficult to know which part of the question respondents are replying to because respondents are offered irrelevant response options because they presuppose information that has not been universally proven or accepted
because it is difficult to know which part of the question respondents are replying to
Which of the following is currently regulated by the Federal Communications Commission? social media outlets cable television broadcast television the internet
broadcast television
How might the media "frame" the issue of budget cuts? by accessing reliable sources to comment on budget cuts by choosing certain words to refer to the budget cuts by discussing a separate issue in order to link it to budget cuts by highlighting both the benefits and the drawbacks of the budget cuts
by choosing certain words to refer to the budget cuts
How have political candidates reacted to the growing popularity of infotainment? by boycotting shows such as The Tonight Show by making appearances on infotainment programs by pushing for stricter FCC regulations by failing to pass net neutrality laws
by making appearances on infotainment programs
After answering a question that asks what you consider to be the most important problem facing the nation, you answer a question about presidential approval. A question-ordering effect presumes that you may do which of the following? consider how the president has handled your "most important issue" evaluate the president objectively be led to consider how the president is handling a full range of issues evaluate the president based on your view of his or her personal likability
consider how the president has handled your "most important issue"
Why was Congress slow to respond to the federal bailout package in 2008? misinformation about the bill constituent opposition pressure exerted by President Bush tax incentives added to the bill
constituent opposition
What ushered in the era of watchdog journalism? the creation of the Pulitzer Prize coverage of the Watergate break-in the Monica Lewinsky scandal conspiracy theories on the Kennedy assassination
coverage of the Watergate break-in
The American public tends to judge news outlets according to which of the following criteria? financial success digital footprint longevity credibility
credibility
Public approval ratings of presidents tend to be which of the following? gradually increasing cyclical unreliable exponentially increasing
cyclical
Which of the following presents a significant constraint on Sarah Batista's job? background research live video the need for brevity deadline pressures
deadline pressures
Aside from meeting the deadline, what is your major challenge as a journalist in this scenario? deciding how to write a balanced story that presents the views of the builder while also informing potential homeowners of their rights deciding how to write an objective story that will also appeal to the more liberal readership in my small college town deciding how to write an objective story about the city council vote while also personally disagreeing with the decision deciding how to investigate the issue further so I can incorporate more information about the pros and cons of fracking
deciding how to write a balanced story that presents the views of the builder while also informing potential homeowners of their rights
The author of this essay concludes that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 encourages which of the following? media consumers to become more involved in state and local politics broadcast stations to offer more public-interest programming democratic and capitalistic values that are reinforced through the socialization of Americans corporations to own less media, whether television or radio stations
democratic and capitalistic values that are reinforced through the socialization of Americans
Yellow journalism might include which of the following? fabricated news stories rigorous fact checking minutes of Supreme Court hearings in-depth election coverage
fabricated news stories
What is a benefit of a more informed electorate, according to the text? higher levels of distrust in the government fewer political divisions within the electorate greater agreement between what citizens want and what policymakers do less certainty in poll results
greater agreement between what citizens want and what policymakers do
If a reporter intended to frame gay marriage in a positive light, how might she do so? focus on the continued prevalence of AIDS in the gay community discuss the biblical definition of marriage emphasize concerns about religious liberty following the Supreme Court decision to legalize same-sex marriage highlight the joyous reaction of gay couples following the Supreme Court decision to legalize same-sex marriage
highlight the joyous reaction of gay couples following the Supreme Court decision to legalize same-sex marriage
Which of the following would be considered a shortcut in making voting decisions? identifying with a party researching and evaluating party platforms visiting multiple candidates' websites ignoring political messages in the media
identifying with a party
The actions of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein led to which of the following? President Nixon's reelection increased adversarial oversight by the media an alliance between the media and the government freedom from scrutiny for presidents
increased adversarial oversight by the media
Which of the following is correlated with increasingly consistent ideological thinking? increased income conservatism increased education liberalism
increased education
Individuals with more political knowledge are considered to be which of the following? less capable of receiving media messages more likely to be conservative less likely to accept media messages that contradict their ideology more likely to accept media messages that contradict their ideology
less likely to accept media messages that contradict their ideology
A majority of Americans rely on which of the following for breaking news? print newspaper local television the internet radio
local television
According to this essay, which of the following is a likely result of corporate consolidation of the media? greater diversity in viewing options greater diversity in perspectives more profit for corporate interests more profit for local media
more profit for corporate interests
According to the text, on which issues did the media prime the public in the run-up to the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections? the economy and taxes national security and the economic recession the housing boom and immigration health care and taxes
national security and the economic recession
Based on Table 1, Roosevelt supporters were most likely to own which of the following? a car, but no phone neither a car nor a phone a phone, with hopes of owning a car a phone, but no car
neither a car nor a phone
What is selective exposure? news consumers choosing media outlets that challenge their preexisting views news consumers seeking out new media outlets on a regular basis news consumers choosing media outlets that confirm their preexisting views news consumers preferring international media outlets to domestic ones
news consumers choosing media outlets that confirm their preexisting views
Can you conclude from Figure 2 that younger Americans (aged 18-29) prefer the internet as their main source for news? yes no
no
Approximately what percentage of young voters identify with the same political party as their parents? under 30 percent around 40 percent almost 80 percent over 50 percent
over 50 percent
According to the text, what is attitude consistency? maintaining the same party identification throughout one's life a political focus on one set of issues a mixture of either moderate and liberal or moderate and conservative opinions political opinions founded on a set of principles about the function of government
political opinions founded on a set of principles about the function of government
What is the process through which we form our political values called? the values process political socialization political participation the constructive principle
political socialization
Which political ideology is concerned primarily with the well-being of ordinary people? liberalism social conservatism classical liberalism populism
populism
What is priming? press coverage of a candidate influencing voters to switch parties muckraking watchdog yellow journalism press coverage of an issue influencing the way people think about related issues falsified coverage of primary elections
press coverage of an issue influencing the way people think about related issues
What is a primary motivation of American media outlets? profits driven by market forces civic responsibility educational value sociopolitical significance
profits driven by market forces
The addition of independent editors to the newspaper industry allowed for more stories based on which of the following? partisan preferences sensationalism quality audience appeal
quality
Journalists are trained to pursue which of the following goals? reflecting impartiality in news stories reflecting the views of their readership reflecting the views of the local government reflecting the views of their editors
reflecting impartiality in news stories
According to the text, what is the key to proper public opinion studies? anonymous surveys ambiguously worded questions open-ended surveys scientific measurement
scientific measurement
When a television viewer changes the channel from Hannity on Fox News, because he does not agree with Sean Hannity's perspective, to The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, because he likes Maddow's criticism of the president, what is he engaging in? agenda setting selective exposure news aggregation deliberate exposure
selective exposure
Which of the following groups is more likely to identify with conservative positions? graduate students Catholics senior citizens women
senior citizens
The Society of Professional Journalists formed in response to which of the following? high standards of ethical behavior sensationalism in the media public approval of the political climate the Great Depression
sensationalism in the media
Which political ideology is associated primarily with the Republican Party today? social conservatism liberalism populism classical liberalism
social conservatism
Which political ideology places a particular value on traditional religious beliefs and practices? classical liberalism liberalism populism social conservatism
social conservatism
According to the information presented in Figure 2, which of the following sources of news is most preferred by Americans? newspapers television the internet the radio
television
What was the first newspaper to be continuously published in the United States? the Federalist Papers the Boston Newsletter the National Gazette the Gazette of the United States
the Boston Newsletter
Which political group dominated elections at all levels in Texas for nearly a century following Reconstruction? the Democratic Party the Republican Party Populists independents
the Democratic Party
Despite growing public support for nuclear power, what event led the federal government to approve fewer new reactors in the United States in the early 2010s? the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster the increase in oil prices the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster incidents of cancer-related deaths near nuclear facilities
the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster
Which of the following encouraged Anglo Americans to populate the Texas territory in large numbers? the Texas territory's ascension to U.S. statehood in 1845 the Mexican government's empresario policy a tradition of exploration beginning in Spanish colonial times the institution of slavery in the Texas territory
the Mexican government's empresario policy
The stock market collapse of September 2008 and subsequent events provide an example of which of the following? Choose the BEST answer. universal support for President Bush's proposals the power of the executive branch over the legislative branch stability in American public opinion the complicated relationship between members of Congress and the public
the complicated relationship between members of Congress and the public
According to the text, which of the following affects the persuasiveness of the message? the popularity of the source the medium of the source the entertainment value of the source the credibility of the source
the credibility of the source
Calls for journalistic reform in the early 20th century led to which of the following? television news programs declining newspaper readership fewer editors the establishment of journalism schools
the establishment of journalism schools
The publication of both the Federalist Papers and anti-Federalist essays in newspapers reflected which of the following developments? the existence of only two major newspapers in 18th-century America the growing influence of political parties increasingly heated debate over print media regulations the election of Thomas Jefferson to the presidency
the growing influence of political parties
Which of the following tend to be the most liberal in regard to social issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage? Hispanic Catholics white Protestants the religiously unaffiliated black Protestants
the religiously unaffiliated
Which of the following describes classical liberalism? the belief that changes in traditional practices should be greeted with an open mind the notion that government should actively intervene in society to foster socially and economically just outcomes the valuing of political arrangements that permit the fullest exercise of individual liberty without unreasonably restricting the liberties of others the embrace of traditional hierarchical social relations, and the interpretation of social change as a threat to established practices and beliefs
the valuing of political arrangements that permit the fullest exercise of individual liberty without unreasonably restricting the liberties of others
What is political socialization? the process that individuals must go through in order to learn the norms and political institutions within their community the way that people acquire beliefs, values, and habits of thought and action related to government, politics, and society the process of learning facts about how the world operates the way in which overall political culture is formed in a state or nation
the way that people acquire beliefs, values, and habits of thought and action related to government, politics, and society
How is public opinion measured? by tallying citizens' votes at the ballot box through scientifically designed surveys known as public opinion polls through online studies evaluating people's responses to the media by recording attendance at public demonstrations such as rallies and marches
through scientifically designed surveys known as public opinion polls
In what way do parents usually influence their children's political socialization? through subtle comments and body language regarding different actors and influences in society by directly teaching their children theories of democracy with particular partisan biases by taking their children to political events, activities, and rallies in order to help children understand the democratic process by openly questioning the political influences children encounter at school
through subtle comments and body language regarding different actors and influences in society
Which of the following factors (among others) might account for the results of many public opinion surveys? malicious survey participants timing and context of the studies opinions staying the same as circumstances change the gender of the survey facilitator
timing and context of the studies
What was the purpose of the Fairness Doctrine? to limit government censorship to require anonymous sources to be revealed to the public to provide public funding for the news to promote balanced coverage of public issues
to promote balanced coverage of public issues
What is the most effective way to ensure that a study reflects the opinions of the general population? poll equal numbers of black, white, Hispanic, and Asian voters use both private and public pollsters poll all Americans registered to vote use random sampling
use random sampling
Which group is likely to be overrepresented by choosing a survey sample from among car owners and people listed in telephone books during the 1930s? urban voters rural voters wealthy voters less educated voters
wealthy voters
According to the essay, when does measurement error occur? when the characteristics of the respondents are not consistent with the targeted population when respondents refuse to complete the survey when respondents' answers to the questions deviate from their own attitudes when respondents have multiple opportunities to be selected to participate in the survey
when respondents' answers to the questions deviate from their own attitudes
What is the main concern of the WBTV producer, Josh, regarding the story pitched by Sarah Batista? whether it will attract viewers whether rival stations are going to break the story first whether the information can be verified whether it has any real news value
whether it has any real news value
