Asmah Gull Ch (BS, 2014-2018) Supervisor: Mujeeba Ashraf, PhD
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
Abstract:
The present research was conducted to explore the relationship between psychosocial determinants of voters and personal characteristics of the candidate on intention to vote. Mixed research design (comparative and correlational) was used to compare and assess the relationship of the variables under study. Purposive sampling strategy was used to collect sample from those Pakistani citizens who were eligible to vote from Lahore (N = 250). It was hypothesized that there would relationship between demographic determinants of voter and personal characteristics of the candidate and there would be gender, education, and participants’ state of voting difference on voting intentions. Questionnaire of Voting Intention (Agomor, 2015) was used. Descriptive statistics and Chi square was used to analyze results. The results of the chi square showed relationship between various psychosocial determinants of voters and personal characteristics of the candidate. Results also showed a gender differences on voters voting intentions as men intended more to vote on the basis of standard of living while women intended to vote to the candidate who can focus on the developmental projects. Moreover, literate focused on human relations among candidate while illiterate gave importance to educational background of the candidate. Similarly, electors gave importance to educational background of the candidate while voters considered candidate’s ability to fight against corruption as an important factor in candidates’ personality. Current study works as a milestone in figuring out that in general election of 2018 electors and voters would give importance of which personal characteristics of the candidates.
Keywords: candidate’s personal characteristics, demographic determinants, intention, voter.
