Question

sandy, who has little interest in politics, is completing a survey questionnaire about the republican tax cuts. which factors would likely influence her opinion on the policy?

correct answer(s)

• a good friends facebook post supporting the tax cut
• congressional budget offices analysis
• partisanship
• economic self-interest

Explanation:

Analyze Sandy's political profile and cues

Sandy has "little interest in politics." Individuals with low political interest and knowledge rarely use detailed policy analyses (like a Congressional Budget Office report) to form opinions. Instead, they rely on cognitive shortcuts (heuristics) and immediate personal cues.

Evaluate the influence of each factor

• a good friend's Facebook post supporting the tax cut: This is a social heuristic/shortcut. Low-interest individuals heavily rely on trusted social networks for political cues.
• partisanship: Party identification is the most powerful heuristic for forming political opinions, even for those with low active interest.
• economic self-interest: Personal financial impact is a direct, easily understood cue that does not require high political knowledge to influence opinion.
• Congressional Budget Office's analysis: This is a highly technical, detailed policy document that a politically disengaged person is extremely unlikely to read or use.

Answer:

• a good friend's Facebook post supporting the tax cut (Correct answer)
• partisanship (Correct answer)
• economic self-interest (Correct answer)
• Congressional Budget Office's analysis