Chapter 8.1Chapter 8.1

The Formation of Public The Formation of Public OpinionOpinion

The Top Five Movies of All Time

Citizen Kane (1941)Casablanca (1942)The Godfather (1972)Gone with the Wind (1939)Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Top Five Musical Artists of All Time

The BeatlesElvis PresleyMadonnaMichael JacksonElton John

What is Public Opinion?What is Public Opinion?Activity:Activity:– List the top five movies of all time.List the top five movies of all time.– List the top five musical artists of all time.List the top five musical artists of all time.

Personal Opinion: (Not Shared)Personal Opinion: (Not Shared)– BroccoliBroccoli– LakersLakers– Cold WeatherCold Weather

Public Opinion: (Shared)Public Opinion: (Shared)– Those attitudes held by a significant number of people on Those attitudes held by a significant number of people on

matters of government and politics.matters of government and politics.There are very few matters in which everyone thinks alike.There are very few matters in which everyone thinks alike.

Factors That Shape Public OpinionFactors That Shape Public Opinion

Political opinions are shaped over a lifetime Political opinions are shaped over a lifetime through a complex process.through a complex process.The FamilyThe FamilyThe SchoolThe SchoolOpinion LeadersOpinion Leaders– Rush LimbaughRush Limbaugh– Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey

The Mass MediaThe Mass MediaA Mix of FactorsA Mix of Factors