Opinions on Fictitious Issues: The Pressure to Answer Survey Questions

Abstract

This research shows, as have previous studies, that a substantial number of people will offer opinions on fictitious topics in the context of a survey interview. The results of a split-ballot experiment (and a replication) with three fictitious public affairs issues suggest that people give opinions on such matters in large part because of the pressure to answer survey questions that is created by the way in which the questions are asked and by the manner in which “don't know” responses are handled by the interviewer. The findings also indicate that there may be little or no relationship between an individual's willingness to admit ignorance and his or her inclination to volunteer opinions on fictitious issues, as measured by at least one item from the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. In addition, the data demonstrate that blacks and less well-educated respondents are more likely than their counterparts to offer opinions on fictitious issues.

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