This article introduces a new typology of political knowledge questions by identifying two dimensions: atemporal vs. topical and specific vs. general facts.
New Typology
It classifies knowledge items based on:
- Atemporal/Temporal: Whether the fact was established recently or long ago
- Topical/General: Whether the fact is about a specific policy or broad political concepts
This results in four distinct types of questions.
Analysis Using Data and Methods
Using over 300 knowledge items from various US states during late 2000s,
the authors examine how classic predictors (education, media) affect these different question types. They find:
- Education's Role: Education helps citizens become informed across all question types.
- Media's Influence: Media exposure aids understanding of topical and specific facts but less so for atemporal ones or general knowledge.
Robust Gender Differences?
Interestingly, gender gaps in political knowledge persist regardless of whether the questions are about timeless facts or contemporary issues. This reinforces the need to include diverse types of knowledge items when measuring public awareness.
Why It Matters
This nuanced typology provides a clearer framework for understanding how citizens acquire different kinds of political information and highlights that findings on media's role in shaping political knowledge can vary significantly depending on what type of knowledge is being measured.
