Voter confusion about ideology stems from flawed dimensional assumptions, not ignorance

Evidence

This finding runs counter to the argument that the aggregate meaning of ideological labels is bipolar in its structure. Instead, it suggests that evaluations of ideological symbols are relatively independent. In essence, a positive evaluation of liberals does not guarantee a negative attitude towards conservatives, though it does not preclude it either. In more general terms, this finding parallels a pattern uncovered in the study of attitudes towards political parties. Several researchers (Maggiotto & Piereson, 1977; Weisberg, 1980) have found that evaluations of Democrats and Republicans are relatively independent of one another. Taken together, these two sets of findings suggest that the dimensional models so typical in the study of political attitudes be approached with some caution. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2031 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Apparent political ignorance masks a lack of analytic framework. — Nina Eliasoph, Avoiding politics: how Americans…, 943; Political ignorance reflects lack of opportunity for unhurried reasoning, not low intelligence. — Nina Eliasoph, Avoiding politics: how Americans…, 1095; Voters in stressed systems back change promises without grasping ideology. (+8 more)

Broader Connections

• Dimensional bipolar models misrepresent how people actually evaluate political blocs. #corroborates (0.93) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2031
• Researchers wrongly assume ideology is bipolar and issue-based #corroborates (0.92)