The Empirical Study of Political Knowledge

Abstract

In this chapter we make a comprehensive review of what several decades of empirical inquiry into citizens’ political knowledge has told us. The investigation begins with a look into the empirical indicators used in surveys. It then continues with an extensive literature review, which is organized into three strains of research: (1) Socio-demographic factors; (2) Political learning; and (3) Opinions and values. Each of them represents a distinct approach and contribution to the study of political knowledge. The chapter ends with a summarizing evaluation of what empirical research has managed to establish, why the findings are relevant and what is still unclear.