What is Important? The Impact of Interpersonal Political Discussion on Public Agendas
Published online on December 05, 2012
Abstract
Objective
This article investigates the role of discussion networks in agenda‐setting. More specifically, the focus is on the question whether the partisan composition of people's discussion networks affects what they judge to be the most important problems facing the country.
Method
Using data from the 2000 American National Election Studies (ANES), I employ logistic regression analysis.
Results
The findings suggest that discussion networks indeed play a significant role in setting the public agenda, even taking into consideration people's media use and several other potentially relevant variables.
Conclusion
While prior research has already linked political discussion to participation and vote choice, this study provides evidence that it also affects what issues people prioritize.