Non-Response, and the Gulf between the Public and the Politicians

In: Acta politica: AP ; international journal of political science ; official journal of the Dutch Political Science Association (Nederlandse Kring voor Wetenschap der Politiek), Band 33, Heft 3, S. 250-280

Abstract

Telephone survey data obtained in two waves from 2,000 Dutch voters are used to differentiate three groups of respondents -- those willing to participate in an election survey, those only willing to participate in a short general interview, & nonrespondents -- in relation to various background characteristics (age, education, sex, urbanization) & political interest. Results show large differences, especially with respect to political interest, between groups 1 & 2. Two sets of results are used in combination to estimate the level of political interest among group 3. Comparison of these findings with historical data indicates that political interest among the Dutch population increased in the 1970s & stabilized during the 1980s & 1990s. No evidence was found for a widening of the gulf between the public & politicians. 9 Tables, 2 Figures, 51 References. Adapted from the source document.