What is the rational choice model of voting behaviour ? Flashcards
What is the Rational Choice Model of voting behaviour?
A theory that suggests voters make decisions based on a logical assessment of their own interests.
True or False: The Rational Choice Model assumes that voters act purely out of altruism.
False
Fill in the blank: The Rational Choice Model emphasizes that voters seek to maximize their _______.
utility
What do rational choice theorists believe influences a voter’s decision?
A voter’s personal preferences, costs, and benefits associated with each option.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key assumption of the Rational Choice Model?
A) Voters are perfectly informed
B) Voters are emotionally driven
C) Voters always act in the interest of their community
A) Voters are perfectly informed
What is meant by ‘expected utility’ in the context of the Rational Choice Model?
The anticipated benefit or satisfaction a voter expects to receive from a particular choice.
True or False: According to the Rational Choice Model, voting is a completely irrational act.
False
What role does information play in the Rational Choice Model?
Information is crucial as it helps voters make informed decisions based on their preferences.
Fill in the blank: The Rational Choice Model suggests that voters weigh the _____ of voting against the costs.
benefits
Multiple Choice: Which factor is NOT considered in the Rational Choice Model?
A) Personal preferences
B) Emotional influences
C) Costs of voting
B) Emotional influences
In the Rational Choice Model, what is the significance of ‘costs’?
Costs refer to the time, effort, or resources a voter must expend to participate in the voting process.
What does the Rational Choice Model predict about voter turnout?
It predicts that turnout will be higher when the perceived benefits of voting exceed the costs.
True or False: The Rational Choice Model applies equally to all voters regardless of their socio-economic background.
False
What is a criticism of the Rational Choice Model?
It oversimplifies the complexities of human behaviour and ignores emotional and social influences.
Fill in the blank: The Rational Choice Model is often contrasted with the _______ model of voting behaviour.
sociological
Multiple Choice: Who is a prominent theorist associated with the Rational Choice Model?
A) Robert Dahl
B) Anthony Downs
C) David Easton
B) Anthony Downs
What is the ‘Downsian’ model of voting?
A specific application of the Rational Choice Model that focuses on how voters choose parties based on ideological preferences.
True or False: The Rational Choice Model suggests that all voters have the same access to information.
False
What is the impact of ‘information asymmetry’ on voting behaviour according to the Rational Choice Model?
It can lead to suboptimal voting decisions as some voters may lack complete or accurate information.
