TRENDS IN AMERICANS' POLITICAL INFORMATION, 1967-1987

Abstract

This study utilizes National Opinion Research Center (NORC) surveys in 1967, 1987, and 1988, and Survey Research Center/Center for Political Studies (SRC/CPS) data from 1960 to 1986 to explore trends in Americans' knowledge of public affairs. NORC and SRC/CPS data indicate that, despite being better educated, the public in the 1980s is slightly less informed than in the 1960s. The primary culprits for diminished political information are diminution in political interest and lessened reliance on newspapers.