Difference between revisions of "Proximity and Directional Theories of Voting"
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This lecture was given in [[PS 240]] on October 15th. | This lecture was given in [[PS 240]] on October 15th. | ||
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Revision as of 08:49, 21 November 2008
This lecture was given in PS 240 on October 15th.
1. Explain the directional and proximity theories of voter behavior.
Lecture Material
Proximity Theory: Argues that all other things being equal, the voter will choose the candidate who is least distant from them. Proximity theory works on the assumption that it's possible to plot people and parties to place them in relation to each other. Typically all issues are weighted equally in Proximity Theory. The median position is most likely to win votes according to this theory.
Directional Theory: Voters prefer candidates with the clear policy stances. According to this theory voters listen the most to candidates who are on the same "side of the fence" as them with the clearest message of having that position, ie if the voter is left of center, they will support the Party or candidate whose left of center position is most obvious. The median position is the least likely to win votes according to this theory.
