A Study of Political Consequences Caused by Distorted Issue Space and Correcting the Distortion

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K13603
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 06010:Politics-related
• Research Institution: Kansai University (2021-2023); Doshisha University (2020); Waseda University (2019)
• Principal Investigator: SONG JAEHYUN 関西大学, 総合情報学部, 准教授 (70822617)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 選挙研究 / 争点投票 / 政治的情報

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this research project, we have demonstrated through an empirical approach the impact of (political) information on voters' preferences and choices. Our analytical methods include not only quantitative methods based on observational data, but also experimental approaches and statistical causal inference. We have conducted studies not only in Japan but also in various fields such as the United States, Mexico, and South Korea, and have presented our findings at domestic and international journals and conferences. The results of the research have revealed that the preferences and choices of voters are not only influenced by the presence or absence of information and its content, but also vary in degree depending on the socio-economic status, political attitudes, geographical factors, and other characteristics of the voters.

Free Research Field

政治学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究課題では（政治的）情報が選好および選択に与える影響を実証的アプローチを通じて明らかにしてきた。たとえば、フェイクニュースが有権者の選好に与える影響は多くの研究で指摘されてきたが、その是正がもたらす「後悔」は注目されなかった。また、政策の情報がその政策に対する支持を高めたり、国家間協力の支持態度にも影響を与えたりすることを明らかにしてきた。これらの研究成果は近年の問題視されているフェイクニュース、（感情的、イデオロギー的）分極化、国家間対立が「情報」によって改善され得ることを示唆する。