In this study, we conduct the first test of cognitive-affective mapping as an empirical tool to study ideological differences. Based on neuroscientific theories of emotional coherence, cognitive-affective mapping (CAM) is a method to visually represent beliefs as networks of concepts with emotional valence that an individual associates with a given political issue. Using a software application developed for this study, we ask (n=150) Canadians to draw a CAM of their views on a single political issue, the introduction of the Carbon Tax in Canada. Using this data we generate a series of variables capturing the structural properties of each network. After normalizing the network measures using graph theory, these variables are added to a series of traditional linear regressions to test whether different ideological groups show structured differences in how they think about political issues. This is the first attempt to investigate whether the structural properties of CAMs provide insight into ideological thinking.

The presenters encourage the participants to check out their online software package at: https://cognitiveaffectivemaps.herokuapp.com/users/login/?next=%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR34T3kYNFn-0rJRjX__pmKp3uL5uv6ElNaMd9iSOHZKd24_lk7I2oWfTrE&fbclid=IwAR0b1A6oWUPV_JdQBWBykIvsS9GOkQAGPkyd2YXkpWVPZWOcPJRQQxViDsc

Organisé par la Chaire de recherche en études électorales et la Chaire de recherche du Canada en démocratie électorale.

DATE: Mardi 28 janvier, 12h-13h

LIEU : Salle C-4145