Schuldt, J. P., Roh, S., & Schwarz, N. (2015). Questionnaire design effects in climate change surveys: Implications for the partisan divide

Title: Questionnaire Design Effects in Climate Change Surveys: Implications for the Partisan Divide Authors: Schuldt, J. P., Roh, S., & Schwarz, N. Year: 2015

Summary: The study by Schuldt, Roh, and Schwarz (2015) investigates the role of questionnaire design in shaping public opinion on climate change, particularly in relation to the partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans in the United States. The authors argue that survey design can influence responses, leading to an overestimation of the extent of political polarization on this issue.

The research specifically examines the impact of using the terms "global warming" and "climate change" in survey questions. The authors conducted experiments in which participants were randomly assigned to receive questions using either term. The findings reveal that the term "global warming" elicited stronger beliefs in human-caused climate change among Democrats and weaker beliefs among Republicans compared to the term "climate change." This result suggests that the choice of wording in survey questions can significantly impact perceptions of partisan divides on climate change.

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of carefully considering questionnaire design when conducting surveys on controversial topics, as it can inadvertently amplify perceived differences between political groups. This finding is crucial for researchers and policymakers alike, as it can help them to better understand and address the public's views on climate change and related issues.