Presidential campaigns measurably increase public accuracy about candidate positions.

Evidence

In learning terms, however, note that the public began to see the policy distinctions more and more clearly as the campaign progressed. Most striking, when the campaign began only 13% saw Reagan as more committed to defense spending, but when the season turned to fall, fully 51% realized what was going on. The public similarly gained understanding about the candidates’ stances on the spending-and-social-welfare and détente issues as well on the ideological spectrum. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1724

Categorization

• SEED: A concrete, quantified example of campaign ‘informing’ effects that could anchor an essay on what political campaigns actually accomplish.