Innumeracy about minority populations

Nadeau, Richard; Niemi, Richard G.; Levine, Jeffrey

doi:10.1086/269379

Cited by 206Social and Intergroup PsychologyElectoral Systems and Political ParticipationMigration, Refugees, and Integration

Innumeracy about minority populations

Nadeau, Richard, Niemi, Richard G., Levine, Jeffrey·1993·Public Opinion Quarterly

DOI 10.1086/269379

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Abstract

We use a small but nationally representative sample to investigate the sources of innumeracy regarding the proportion of blacks, Hispanics, and Jews in the U.S. population. In addition to a number of standard demographic differences, we find that overestimates are closely related to region as well as to the density of the local black/Hispanic population. The extent to which minority populations are perceived as a kind of threat is also related to perceived proportions, though the direction of causality cannot be determined. We discuss the meaningfulness of these population estimates and speculate on whether trying to improve them would alter attitudes toward minorities.

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On immigration, opponents perceive a larger share of foreign-born citizens in the population than proponents.
“On the issue of immigration, opponents perceive a larger share of foreign-born citizens in the population than proponents (Nadeau et al., 1993;Herda, 2013).”
From Factual belief polarization between Democrats and Republicans: source or epiphenomenon of ideological and affective polarization? (2024) · cites this paper as Nadeau et al., 1993

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Authors: Nadeau, R., Niemi, R. G., & Levine, J.
Affiliations: Université de Montréal (CA)
University of Rochester (US)
Indiana University (US)
ORCID: Nadeau, Richard
Venue: Public Opinion Quarterly
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published: 1993
Volume: 57
Issue: 3
Pages: 332
ISSN: 0033-362X (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1086/269379
OpenAlex: W2137794218
Cited by: 204
References: 17
Citations by year: 2026: 22 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 20 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 7
FWCI: 3.38
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Public Opinion Quarterly (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Electoral Systems and Political Participation
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Migration, Refugees, and Integration
Keywords: innumeracy, numeracy, minority groups, racial and ethnic minorities, Black population, Hispanic population, Jewish population, regional variation, threat perception, attitudes toward minorities

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Innumeracy about minority populations

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