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New Evidence About the Existence of a Bandwagon Effect in the Opinion Formation Process

Edouard Cloutier

J.-H. Guay

This study undertakes an empirical test of the "bandwagon effect"—individuals rallying to the majority opinion. The study is done outside the electoral context on two issues: abortion and the constitutional future of Quebec. A panel is used, as well as an experimental design in which respondents are told the state and direction of public opinion. Three methodological criteria are used as minimal requirements for a satisfac tory test of the bandwagon thesis. "Underdogging," as well as opinion movement due to factors outside the experiment, are both accounted for. Though the reasons for a bandwagon remain unclear, the authors demon strate that a bandwagon effect of 5-7 percent existed on both issues.

International Political Science Review, Vol. 14, No. 2, 203-213 (1993)
DOI: 10.1177/019251219301400204


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