Citation

Urbatsch R. Soc. Sci. J. 2018.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.soscij.2018.04.003

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In recent years, surveys in the United States have faced increasing refusal to answer questions about firearm ownership, even as other similar questions see no comparable up-tick in item nonresponse. Asymmetrical polarization, elite messaging, and changing media institutions all suggest that the surging nonresponse concerning gun-ownership questions may be increasingly concentrated among those with rightward political and partisan leanings, potentially skewing inferences about gun-related issues. Data from the General Social Survey confirms that the increase in probability of declining to answer firearm-ownership questions is particularly stark among those identifying as Republicans, particularly those with a conservative outlook skeptical of government.

Language: en

Keywords

Guns; Non-response; Partisanship; United States