Research data for paper: Social Norms Misperception Among Voters in the 2020 US Presidential Election
Data for paper appearing in Journal of Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy (publication date yet to be announced).
The files contain the following de-identified data:
- wave 1 (prior to US presidential election 2020) data collection (US survey_t1_deidentified) and for wave 2 (after US election) data collection (US survey_t2_deidentified)
- a merged dataset (containing data from both waves, participants were removed in accordance with exclusion criteria)
- readme file (provides description of variables and instruction how to use them)
- R syntax (US_survey_for public) with code used in this study
Abstract
We aim to explain the dynamics enabling spikes in
hate crimes by examining the underlying
social-psychological processes behind it. We see these as captured in
empowerment processes amongst racist who see themselves as “victims” and their
position strengthened by majority support from the public for their actions. Building
on previous research, we investigated the role social norm misperception (false
consensus and pluralistic ignorance), following elections plays as a possible,
generally occurring mechanism, which particular focus on Republican Party supporters.
In a two-wave panel study, we surveyed Democrat and Republican supporters on
social norms misperception, as well as collective empowerment, and xenophobic
behavioural intentions. While we could replicate and strengthen our arguments and
establish robust group-dependent effects for social norms misperception and illustrate
that an unexpected outcome of the election led to disempowerment amongst
Republicans, we found null effects for changes in social norms misperception, and
for behavioural intentions. Our study contributes to understanding social norms
misperception as associated with group membership. Deriving from that, the
study results indicate that the perception of a majority agreeing with one´s
approval is potentially less influenced by external factors, in contrast to feelings
of joy and group efficacy – collective empowerment. Practical implications of
group differences regarding post-election collective actions are
discussed.
I confirm that the data contains no identifiable
information relating to any living individual and that
it would not be possible to identify a living individual if combined
with another available dataset. I confirm that there are no commercial partners involved in the research that might affect the publication of this data.