Understanding Presidential Voting Motivation by Factors of Agency

摘要: Understanding Presidential Voting Motivation by Factors of Agency Sharlene Wilson MA, Long Island University, 2002 BA, C.W. Post 1999 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment the Requirements for Degree Doctor Philosophy Public Policy Administration Walden University March 2015 Abstract The President United States sets tone policy and has significant power adopting implementing policy. Despite this acknowledged power, prior studies, have not examined whether or agency theory is predictive voting U.S. presidential elections. important scope behavior as it identifies relationships which support significance practicing activity. This correlationalThe correlational study statistical impact personal agency, social sociocultural on behavior. used secondary data originally collected between 1956 2008 American National Election Study through a multistage probability design that yielded survey 28,000 individuals. A single, combined model was created from variables measuring personal, social, dependent variable to test type had highest voting. outcome logistic regression analysis demonstrated but were statistically powerful predictors (p < .05). These findings suggest an individual’s perceptions cultural status influence their likelihood vote, units do not. efforts increase turnout members groups are less likely vote should focus increasing agency. promotes positive change empowering more effective get-out-the-vote campaigns voter participation, especially among underrepresented. Dedication I would like dedicate dissertation my mother father always having encouraged me learn. Thank you, Mom Dad, being biggest supporters life academics! Acknowledgments acknowledge Professor Karen Shafer provided extremely helpful supportive commentary throughout process. Without Dr. Shafer’s detailed suggestions, could never executed at heart study.