AN APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING IN PUBLIC-OPINION RESEARCH - CONCEPTUALIZING PUBLIC AND OPINIONS

For some time now, theorists and investigators in the field of public opinion have discussed how opinion, public and the combination of the two into a single term should be conceptualized. With regard to the fi rst concept mentioned, the difference between attitude and opinion has been a central focus of dispute. This article demonstrates how a stru ctural equation model, where opinions are included as dependent variab les, and attitudes, among other relevant variables, as explanatory var iables, may contribute to the discussion. Application of such a model, which may be considered the reflection of an attitude and opinion sys tem, again forces the researcher to conceptualize the public involved.