 | Chapter Objectives
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Having read the chapter, students should be able to:
- Understand the nature of public opinion and how assessment of it has changed over time.
- Describe how political opinions are formed and the various cultural and institutional forces that help shape those opinions.
- Discuss how group identity can make a difference in the opinions that one holds.
- List the various dimensions of public opinion and the ways those opinions are measured.
- Name the three main things that an informed consumer of polls needs to know in order to avoid being misled.
- Understand the methodology behind the various forms of scientific polling.
- Generally discuss the modern-day content of Americans' attitudes and beliefs.
- Describe the uncertainties associated with converting public opinion into public policy.
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