Examining Mechanims of Political Disagreement

摘要: This research seeks to develop and test hypotheses about how political disagreement in social networks affects behavior. We conduct experimental whether subjects’ acquaintances act as independent sources of information, examine two different models such stimuli may produce effects—either via information seeking, or shortcuts. These tests are important because prior is ambiguous on causal effects come from networks, potential mechanisms influence. Our results back aspects both models, but more strongly support the notion a heuristic—subjects primed consider before mock election exhibited less-orderly search process; those after (but voting) displayed lower rates ambivalence, evidence that helped clarify their decisions.