Polarization and Life Expectancy: Unpacking the Link

QUESTION

The American political system is polarized–increasingly so in the last few decades. Such polarization has gridlocked national politics in the past few years. In contrast, U.S. states and counties are passing legislation, and increasingly, this legislation is reflecting polarized local politics. A new study decided to look at whether these local political differences were linked to actual health outcomes. The researchers showed that county by county, the average life expectancy in a particular U.S. county is associated with that county’s presidential voting patterns. The article was summarized by NPR here (link to external website)Links to an external site.. The journalist has mentioned two major variables in this study. What are they? Give a detailed answer. Were these two variables measured or manipulated? Explain your answer.

ANSWER

Polarization and Life Expectancy: Unpacking the Link

Introduction

The growing polarization within the American political system has become a defining feature of contemporary politics. This polarization extends beyond the national level to state and local governments, raising concerns about its impact on various aspects of society. A recent study explores the association between local political differences and health outcomes, specifically life expectancy, within U.S. counties. In this essay, we will delve into the study’s major variables and discuss whether these variables were measured or manipulated.

Major Variables in the Study

Presidential Voting Patterns: One of the major variables in the study is the presidential voting patterns within U.S. counties. This variable encompasses the political preferences of the county’s residents in presidential elections. It is a reflection of the county’s overall political leaning, whether it tends to vote for Democratic or Republican presidential candidates. These patterns provide insight into the county’s political culture and ideology.

Average Life Expectancy: The second key variable is the average life expectancy in a particular U.S. county. Life expectancy represents the average number of years a person can expect to live in a given area, and it is often used as a crucial indicator of the overall health and well-being of a population. It is influenced by various factors, including healthcare access, lifestyle choices, economic conditions, and environmental factors.

Measurement vs. Manipulation of Variables

In the study under discussion, both variables, presidential voting patterns and average life expectancy, were primarily measured rather than manipulated.

Presidential Voting Patterns: The political preferences and voting patterns within U.S. counties are measured data. Researchers collect voting data from elections to understand the political landscape within each county. This information is not manipulated; it is observed and recorded as a reflection of the county’s residents’ political choices.

Average Life Expectancy: Life expectancy is also a measured variable. It is calculated based on historical and current data related to births, deaths, and population demographics within a specific county. Researchers do not manipulate life expectancy but analyze existing data to draw conclusions about health outcomes.

The researchers in this study did not interfere with the variables themselves. Instead, they collected and analyzed data to explore potential associations between these variables. Their objective was to determine whether there was a significant link between a county’s political leaning, as indicated by presidential voting patterns, and the health outcomes, represented by average life expectancy.

Conclusion

The study investigating the relationship between local political differences and life expectancy in U.S. counties employs two major variables: presidential voting patterns and average life expectancy. These variables are measured rather than manipulated, as the researchers observe and analyze existing data to assess potential associations. By examining the political landscape and its impact on health outcomes, the study contributes to our understanding of the multifaceted relationship between politics and public health in contemporary American society.

Calculate the price of your order

550 words
We'll send you the first draft for approval by September 11, 2018 at 10:52 AM
Total price:
$26
The price is based on these factors:
Academic level
Number of pages
Urgency
Basic features
  • Free title page and bibliography
  • Unlimited revisions
  • Plagiarism-free guarantee
  • Money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 Customer support
On-demand options
  • Tutor’s samples
  • Part-by-part delivery
  • Overnight delivery
  • Attractive discounts
  • Expert Proofreading
Paper format
  • 275 words per page
  • 12 pt Arial/Times New Roman
  • Double line spacing
  • Any citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard)

Unique Features

As a renowned provider of the best writing services, we have selected unique features which we offer to our customers as their guarantees that will make your user experience stress-free.

Money-Back Guarantee

Unlike other companies, our money-back guarantee ensures the safety of our customers' money. For whatever reason, the customer may request a refund; our support team assesses the ground on which the refund is requested and processes it instantly. However, our customers are lucky as they have the least chances to experience this as we are always prepared to serve you with the best.

Zero-Plagiarism Guarantee

Plagiarism is the worst academic offense that is highly punishable by all educational institutions. It's for this reason that Peachy Tutors does not condone any plagiarism. We use advanced plagiarism detection software that ensures there are no chances of similarity on your papers.

Free-Revision Policy

Sometimes your professor may be a little bit stubborn and needs some changes made on your paper, or you might need some customization done. All at your service, we will work on your revision till you are satisfied with the quality of work. All for Free!

Privacy And Confidentiality

We take our client's confidentiality as our highest priority; thus, we never share our client's information with third parties. Our company uses the standard encryption technology to store data and only uses trusted payment gateways.

High Quality Papers

Anytime you order your paper with us, be assured of the paper quality. Our tutors are highly skilled in researching and writing quality content that is relevant to the paper instructions and presented professionally. This makes us the best in the industry as our tutors can handle any type of paper despite its complexity.