The Electoral College: Biased Explanations & Student Views

School Name

Chapin High School

Grade Level

11th Grade

Presentation Topic

Psychology

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

The issue of bias in the American news media and educational systems has been the topic of continuous heated debate in the United States. Biased information, particularly within educational materials, has been shown to negatively impact the audience's ability to fully comprehend political and cultural issues. This bias can promulgate in various ways, including through biased diction or the omission of important information. This bias can mislead young people (of high school age) about a multitude of topics, though this study focuses specifically on the Electoral College. To evaluate the effect that biased information has on a student’s opinion and understanding of the system, the research question presented is, “To what extent does the presence of partisan bias in information about the Electoral College impact the political cognition and understanding of the Electoral College among high school students?” To accurately test this question, participants (students of Chapin High School) are asked to indicate their opinion, perceived understanding, and confidence in the opinion provided regarding the use of the Electoral College. After reading either a supportive, opposing, or neutral explanation, the questions are repeated and participants discuss their opinions in small groups. It is hypothesized that participants exposed to partisan bias in their assigned explanations of the Electoral College will be more likely to change their opinions to better align with the bias of the explanation (in their treatment). Specifically, it is expected that the opposition bias is the most effective due to the nature of the arguments asserted.

Location

RITA 277

Start Date

3-23-2024 10:15 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 23rd, 10:15 AM

The Electoral College: Biased Explanations & Student Views

RITA 277

The issue of bias in the American news media and educational systems has been the topic of continuous heated debate in the United States. Biased information, particularly within educational materials, has been shown to negatively impact the audience's ability to fully comprehend political and cultural issues. This bias can promulgate in various ways, including through biased diction or the omission of important information. This bias can mislead young people (of high school age) about a multitude of topics, though this study focuses specifically on the Electoral College. To evaluate the effect that biased information has on a student’s opinion and understanding of the system, the research question presented is, “To what extent does the presence of partisan bias in information about the Electoral College impact the political cognition and understanding of the Electoral College among high school students?” To accurately test this question, participants (students of Chapin High School) are asked to indicate their opinion, perceived understanding, and confidence in the opinion provided regarding the use of the Electoral College. After reading either a supportive, opposing, or neutral explanation, the questions are repeated and participants discuss their opinions in small groups. It is hypothesized that participants exposed to partisan bias in their assigned explanations of the Electoral College will be more likely to change their opinions to better align with the bias of the explanation (in their treatment). Specifically, it is expected that the opposition bias is the most effective due to the nature of the arguments asserted.