Calculus of voting
Encyclopedia
Calculus of voting refers to any mathematical model
which predicts voting behaviour by an electorate, including such features as participation rate. A calculus of voting represents an hypothesized decision-making process.
These models are used in political science
in an attempt to capture the relative importance of various factors influencing an elector to vote (or not vote) in a particular way.
(1957) and is adapted by William H. Riker
and Peter Ordeshook
, in “A Theory of the Calculus of Voting” (Riker and Ordeshook 1968)
where
A political science
model based on rational choice used to explain why citizens do or do not vote.
Mathematical model
A mathematical model is a description of a system using mathematical concepts and language. The process of developing a mathematical model is termed mathematical modeling. Mathematical models are used not only in the natural sciences and engineering disciplines A mathematical model is a...
which predicts voting behaviour by an electorate, including such features as participation rate. A calculus of voting represents an hypothesized decision-making process.
These models are used in political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
in an attempt to capture the relative importance of various factors influencing an elector to vote (or not vote) in a particular way.
Example
One such model was proposed by Anthony DownsAnthony Downs
Anthony Downs is a scholar in public policy and public administration, and since 1977 is a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C..-Education:...
(1957) and is adapted by William H. Riker
William H. Riker
William Harrison Riker was an American political scientist who applied game theory and mathematics to political science....
and Peter Ordeshook
Peter Ordeshook
Peter Ordeshook is an American political scientist. He is the Mary Stillman Harkness Professor of Political Science at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California....
, in “A Theory of the Calculus of Voting” (Riker and Ordeshook 1968)
- R = pB − C + D
where
- R = the reward gained from voting in a given election (R, then, is a proxy for the probability that the voter will turn out)
- p = probability of vote “mattering”
- B = “utility” benefit of voting--differential benefit of one candidate winning over the other
- C = costs of voting (time/effort spent)
- D = citizen duty, goodwill feeling, psychological and civic benefit of voting (this term is not included in Downs's original model)
A political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
model based on rational choice used to explain why citizens do or do not vote.