Politicians and Gaze-Following Behavior in Voters
Author Information
Author(s): Liuzza Marco Tullio, Cazzato Valentina, Vecchione Michele, Crostella Filippo, Caprara Gian Vittorio, Aglioti Salvatore Maria
Primary Institution: Department of Psychology, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
Hypothesis
Does the gaze of political leaders influence the gaze-following behavior of ingroup and outgroup voters?
Conclusion
The gaze of right-wing leader Berlusconi enhances gaze following in ingroup voters while inhibiting it in outgroup voters.
Supporting Evidence
- The gaze of Berlusconi, a right-wing leader, enhances gaze following in ingroup voters.
- Left-wing voters showed no significant gaze following behavior towards Berlusconi.
- Participants rated their perceived similarity to political characters, which correlated with gaze following behavior.
Takeaway
When politicians look in a certain direction, their supporters are more likely to look that way too, but their opponents are less likely to do so.
Methodology
Participants performed a gaze-following task where they had to look at a target square after a political character's gaze direction was cued.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in participant self-reporting of political affiliation and personality traits.
Limitations
The study's findings may not generalize beyond the specific political context of Italy.
Participant Demographics
28 participants (12 males, mean age 25.25), with 15 assigned to left-wing and 13 to right-wing groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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