Sequential vote choice: Applying a consideration set model of heterogeneous decision processes. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oscarsson, Henrik; Oskarson, Maria
• Is Part Of: Electoral studies. Volume 57(2019)
• Page Start: 275
• Page End: 283
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Voting behavior -- Electoral choice -- Choice sets -- Consideration sets -- Party identification; Elections -- Periodicals; Voting -- Periodicals; 324.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electstud.2018.08.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-3794

Abstract

Abstract: This article analyzes the relative effects of a classic set of long-term and short-term determinants of party choice by treating voters' decision processes as a two-stage heterogeneous process. Departing from a consideration set model of voting behavior (CSM), we use panel data collected in Sweden in 2014 to analyze which voters considered voting for more than one party. To evaluate the CSM approach we estimate the relative effects of long-term and short-term determinants, for different parts of the electorate and at different stages of the decision process. Results confirm that the choice process for the 'considering kind' of voters is influenced by another mix of long-term and short-determinants than stable and party identified voters. Findings suggest that continued analyses of multi-stage decision making may bring new insights into electoral behavior. We argue that the core ideas of CSM – the sequential decision-making process and heterogeneity in the impact of long-term and short-term determinants – are generally applicable for analyses of voting behavior.