Voter Behavior and Turnout Concepts

The video tutorial explores voting behavior, focusing on why people vote or abstain. It examines historical turnout patterns, factors influencing turnout, and theories like rational choice. The impact of party identification and the concepts of normative and expressive voting are also discussed.

What is the primary focus of the first question sociologists ask about voting behavior?

• The impact of media on elections

• The role of political parties in elections

• How people decide who to vote for

• Reasons for variations in voter turnout

Which years saw very high voter turnouts in general elections?

• 1945 and 1946

• 1950 and 1951

• 1960 and 1961

• 2000 and 2001

According to David Denver, which factor is NOT a main way to explain variations in voter turnout?

• Media influence

• Rational choice

• Party-voter connection

• Social background

What does rational choice theory suggest about voter turnout?

• Turnout is unaffected by incentives

• Turnout is higher when costs are high

• Turnout is higher when benefits outweigh costs

• Turnout is solely based on media coverage

Why was the voter turnout in the 2001 general election particularly low?

• Voter registration was difficult

• The outcome was seen as a foregone conclusion

• It was a highly competitive election

• There was a lack of media coverage

What is the term used to describe the decline in party identification over time?

• Party realignment

• Party disintegration

• Party dissolution

• Party dealignment

Who are expressive voters?

• Voters who vote due to peer pressure

• Voters who vote out of habit

• Voters who vote to express support for a party they identify with

• Voters who vote based on media influence

What percentage of people over 65 believe voting is a duty?

• 58%

• 65%

• 88%

• 75%

Which age group is more likely to feel guilty if they don't vote?

• 18 to 24 year olds

• Over 65 year olds

• 25 to 34 year olds

• 35 to 44 year olds

What is a normative voter?

• Someone who votes based on party loyalty

• Someone who votes only in major elections

• Someone who votes because they believe it's their civic duty

• Someone who votes based on media influence