Survey Research and Southern Politics: The Implications of Data Management

Abstract

With an identical data base—the SRCICPS election studies conducted over the 1952–1976 period—scholars arrive at conflicting conclusions about the future politics of the South. One problem is alternative regional definitions—the survey category Solid South (which includes the states of the former Confederacy minus Tennessee) or the combined categories Solid South and Border South. Another problem is the choice to analyze native whites, whites, or all election participants. Based on data presented here, these choices are not neutral; rather, they influence the research findings. If the intent is to build upon the aggregate data-based research of Key and others, one should use the Solid South definition. Moreover, if the intent is to predict about the future politics of the South, one should analyze all election participants.