Does it Matter if Respondents Look up Answers to Political Knowledge Questions?. Issue 3 (2nd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Style, Hillary; Jerit, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Public opinion quarterly. Volume 84:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 760
• Page End: 775
• Publication Date: 2021-04-02
• Subjects: Public opinion -- Periodicals; Public opinion; Periodicals; 303.38
• DOI: 10.1093/poq/nfaa038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-362X

Abstract

Abstract: Using novel instrumentation from a large national sample, this research note examines respondents who look up answers to factual knowledge questions. Consistent with past work linking outside search to a self-enhancing response style, we show that people who research the answers to knowledge questions also self-report higher levels of political engagement. Moreover, validated vote data indicate that higher self-reports of registration status and turnout are overreports of the actual behaviors. Finally, we analyze the characteristics of people who engage in outside search and explore whether simple warnings are effective at reducing this behavior.