Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore how young voters form attitudes through the socialization process (i.e., political information efficacy) and the factors that potentially shaped voting behavior in the 2012 U.S. presidential election. Using political socialization as the theoretical framework, 363 respondents were surveyed the day after the election. Findings indicate that biological sex, election news, and peer communication had a direct impact on information efficacy for young voters. Information efficacy had a significant direct impact on voting behavior and a mediating effect via socialization agents. Implications for campaign planners are discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 100-114 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Communication Reports |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 May 3 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2016 Western States Communication Association.
Keywords
- Political Information Efficacy
- Political Socialization
- Voting Behavior
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Communication
- Language and Linguistics
- Linguistics and Language