Scale for Measuring Political Sensitivity: An Empirical Investigation on Young Indian Voters

Abstract

The primary aim of the present study was to propose a scale comprising factors that sensitize voters toward the political system and stimulate them for an active participation in the election process. More specifically, the study aimed to propose a scale for measuring political sensitivity of young Indian voters. For this purpose, the data was generated from the users of internet who fall in the age bracket of 18–29 years. The generated data was analyzed employing the statistical techniques such as exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Based on the study findings, a 9-item scale comprising three factors economic considerations, social considerations and perceived risk was proposed to capture political sensitivity of young Indian voters. This scale was named as Political Sensitivity Measurement (PSM). One interesting observation of the study was that the religious and caste consideration of young Indian voters was not important for motivating them for an active political participation. The study is pioneering in the sense that it initiates efforts for comprehensive analyses of the factors that inspire young Indian voters to participate in the election process. PSM will greatly help the academicians and researchers for an improved understanding of the Indian voters. The scale would also assist politicians in developing appropriate strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• India
• political sensitivity
• young voters
• scale development