Relevance of Location on the Perceptions of "Red" and "Blue" States
Abstract
This study aims to determine if people from similar locations (based on population) have similar views on "Red" and "Blue" states. In particular, familiarity with "Red" and "Blue" states and identification with "Red" and "Blue" states are examined. In addition it is determined if people look negatively upon the type of state they do not identify with and a tentative definition of "Red" and "Blue" states is created. All information is based upon a survey administered to Oklahoma State University students about their perceptions of "Red" and "Blue" states and their personal location histories. It was found that whether or not a respondent's hometown was rural or urban did not have a dramatic effect upon "Red" and "Blue" state identification. The most significant findings showed that overall prior location history had the most influence on how a respondent identified their political sentiments. In addition, the majority of respondents did not feel negatively biased toward people from the type of state that they did not identify their political beliefs with. As well, most respondents characterized "Red" and "Blue" states with an appropriate political party association.
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- OSU Theses [15752]