Abstract
Although deliberative scholarship is often concerned with disagreement, two issues remain unaddressed. Little is known about individual characteristics that make people perceive disagreement during deliberation. Even less is known about perceptual accuracy. Do people accurately report the disagreement they encounter in deliberative settings? This study addresses these gaps. We draw on a sample of participants in structured and moderated online groups to (a) analyze the factors that lead people to report disagreement and (b) test the correspondence between perceived and objective measures. In general, we find that the two sets of measures corresponded only weakly, but that objective disagreement had somewhat greater impact on perceived disagreement on three value-laden and contentious issues. Holding extreme positions on the issues discussed did not affect perceived disagreement, and political knowledge exerted only limited effects. Still, both opinion extremity and knowledge did—on some issues—increase sensitivity to opposing views when they were actually expressed in discussion. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
