Background Research

In a study conducted by Yale University on the impact of political parties on individuals, it was found that “group influence can bias responses to persuasion” (Cohen). Cohen states that, as a result, individuals have very strong, emotional connections to political parties. In his own research, Cohen tested the favorability of welfare bills sponsored by different parties and indicated that the conservative bill was sponsored by the Democrats and vice versa. Through this, he was able to conclude that often times, an emotional connection to political parties often overrode his participant’s personal beliefs. If our political landscape continues to turn more and more polarized, according to Cohen’s findings, this would mean that Democrats would vote more strictly with Democrats, Republicans more strictly with Republicans, etc.