Priming can explain most of an observed approval drop

Evidence

We used each of the 1986 NES respondents’ actual demographics and attitudes to generate two predicted Reagan evaluations: one using the prerevelation regression weights, the other using the postrevelation regression weights. The average predicted prerevelation evaluation was . and the average predicted postrevelation evaluation was .50, a difference of .03. Thus, almost two-thirds of the decrease in this sample’s Reagan approval ratings can be attributed to priming. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1608

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to methods discussed in earlier chapters of this same book on priming and agenda-setting effects on public opinion.