1993/04/01 by Richard Nadeau, Édouard Cloutier, Jean H. Guay · 3 citations
Social Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Electoral Systems and Political Participation #Social Media and Politics #Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence #Bandwagon effect #Public opinion #Context (archaeology) #Opinion poll #Constitutionality #Political science #Positive economics #Law #Economics #Geography #Politics
paper · doi:10.1177/019251219301400204
openalex publication_date 1993/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/01
This study undertakes an empirical test of the "bandwagon effect"—individuals rallying to the majority opinion. The study is done outside the electoral context on two issues: abortion and the constitutional future of Quebec. A panel is used, as well as an experimental design in which respondents are told the state and direction of public opinion. Three methodological criteria are used as minimal requirements for a satisfac tory test of the bandwagon thesis. "Underdogging," as well as opinion movement due to factors outside the experiment, are both accounted for. Though the reasons for a bandwagon remain unclear, the authors demon strate that a bandwagon effect of 5-7 percent existed on both issues.