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Reasoning Chains: Causal Models of Policy Reasoning in Mass Publics

Author

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  • Sniderman, Paul M.
  • Hagen, Michael G.
  • Tetlock, Philip E.
  • Brady, Henry E.

Abstract

Citizens do not choose sides on issues like busing or abortion whimsically. They have reasons for their preferences – certainly they can give reasons for them. But how is this possible? Citizens as a rule pay little attention to politics, indeed take only a modest interest in it even during election campaigns when their interest in politics is at its height. And since they pay little attention to politics, it is hardly surprising that they know little about it. Many, in fact, are quite ignorant of basic facts of political life – such as the identity of the party that controls Congress or indeed the name of the congressman who represents them. Which, of course, raises a question of some interest: how do citizens figure out what they think about political issues, given how little they commonly know about them?

Suggested Citation

  • Sniderman, Paul M. & Hagen, Michael G. & Tetlock, Philip E. & Brady, Henry E., 1986. "Reasoning Chains: Causal Models of Policy Reasoning in Mass Publics," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 16(4), pages 405-430, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:bjposi:v:16:y:1986:i:04:p:405-430_00
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    Cited by:

    1. David L. Sallach, 2008. "Modeling Emotional Dynamics: Currency Versus Field," Rationality and Society, , vol. 20(3), pages 343-365, August.
    2. Timothy J. Ryan, 2017. "No Compromise: Political Consequences of Moralized Attitudes," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 61(2), pages 409-423, April.
    3. McGraw, A. Peter & Todorov, Alexander & Kunreuther, Howard, 2011. "A policy maker's dilemma: Preventing terrorism or preventing blame," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 115(1), pages 25-34, May.
    4. Graeme A.M. Davies & Robert Johns, 2016. "The domestic consequences of international over-cooperation: An experimental study of microfoundations," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 33(4), pages 343-360, September.
    5. Lihi Lahat & Gila Menahem, 2009. "Causes and Remedies for Poverty: Perceptions among Local Elected Leaders in Israel," Poverty & Public Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 1(2), pages 1-31, July.

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