Suchergebnisse

An examination of the role of self-interest in shaping attitudes toward smoking restrictions & cigarette taxes, based on interview survey data from 2 random samples of Calif adults (N not specified) collected by the Field Instit in Feb 1984 & Apr 1987. Analysis indicates that nonsmokers are far more enthusiastic about tightening smoking restrictions & increasing cigarette taxes than smokers, particularly heavy smokers. Explanations for the apparent discrepancy between these results & the pattern of null findings characteristic of the self-interest literature are considered. 5 Tables, 1 Appendix, 37 References. Modified AA

A review of abortion polls illustrates the fact that pollsters & secondary analysts face a difficult task when trying to measure & describe public opinion about complex issues over time, particularly when the objects being measured are court decisions, laws, or policies whose implications, interpretations, & practical effects evolve & cannot be anticipated when survey items are framed. Even carefully crafted items can be rendered invalid by changing circumstances, thus posing problems for trend analysis. Several approaches that seek to measure public opinion of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, & which yield conflicting results, are discussed. It is noted that items characterizing the court's ruling as permitting abortion "during the first three months of pregnancy," or the abortion decision itself as one made "by a woman & her physician" do not reflect current reality adequately. 2 Tables, 32 References. AA