Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 November 2015
CCES SURVEY INSTRUMENT
Respondents viewed the election information experiment first, then the two e-mail experiments in random order.
Election Information Experiment
All respondents viewed the introductory text, then were randomly presented with one of three messages that emphasized policy, service, or allocation as the legislator's main focus. The legislator's name (in brackets) was also randomized.
Introductory Text
A nonpartisan group in another state is distributing information on the reputations of state legislators to voters for the upcoming elections. Below is an excerpt from the entry for one representative. First, read the description. Then based only on the information that is given, evaluate your feelings toward the legislator as if the legislator were your representative. Select your evaluation on the “feeling thermometer” provided after the description. This measure ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating a more favorable rating. If you feel neutral toward the legislator, select the score 50.
Policy Treatment
Rep. [Aaron/Alicia] B. Jones is well known for listening to constituents in [his/her] district on policy issues and voting in line with majority opinion. [He/She] has even voted against the party at times when citizen opinion was on the other side of the issue. However, [he/she] was criticized last year for moving very slowly to address and resolve constituents’ service requests, and is also not known for bringing back much funding to the district like many of [his/her] colleagues.
Service Treatment
Rep. [Aaron/Alicia] B. Jones is well known for providing excellent constituency service. [He/She] is quick to respond to anyone in [his/her] district who has a problem with a state agency or wants a tour of the state capitol. However, Jones is not known for bringing back much funding to the district like many of [his/her] colleagues and was criticized last year for ignoring the policy views of [his/her] constituents when voting on the floor.
Allocation Treatment
Rep. [Aaron/Alicia] B. Jones is well known for bringing state funding to the district in all sorts of ways. If money is being spent by the state on just about anything – roads, schools, or other public goods – Jones always manages to make sure it benefits [his/her] district as much as possible. However, [he/she] was criticized last year for ignoring the policy views of [his/her] constituents and for moving very slowly to address and resolve constituents’ service requests.
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