How Do Issue Characteristics Influence People’s Reliance on Cue-Taking?

• In Event: Cues vs. Content: How People Reason about Politics

Abstract

Relying on simple cues or shortcuts without considering more information might not be an ideal way for citizens to make a better decision. Thus, this study examines the conditions under which people rely on simple cues instead of engaging with detailed policy information. I build on the dual process model to explain how people perceive policy issues—perceived issue difficulty and perceived issue importance—influence people’s reliance on cue-taking rather than searching for more information. My experimental findings show that on policy issues that people find personally important, individuals engage more with detailed policy content—and though it does not necessarily move their attitude positions, it does influence the certainty they have in those policy attitudes. The findings suggest that perceived issue attributes shape the information people access and how they use it.

Author

• Suji Kang, University of Pennsylvania