German Election Study, July 1961

This is the first in a series of three studies that surveyed independent national samples both before and after the 1961 election in the Federal Republic of Germany. There were two pre-election studies, conducted in July and September (see also ICPSR 7100), and one post-election study carried out in November and December (ICPSR 7101). The present study examined in detail the respondents' interest in politics and sources of political information. Questions investigated the respondents' perceptions of the ability of the SPD and CDU/CSU to deal with a set of issues facing the Federal Republic, such as German reunification, foreign relations with the East and West, economic and education policy, and other foreign and domestic issues. The survey also included scalometers, which were used in evaluating the major political figures of 1961 and the three major political parties. Other questions dealt with the perceived partisan leanings of various social groups. Variables also investigated the respondents' anticipated voting behavior in the 1961 election and expectations about the election outcome, as well as the interviewees' long-term voting histories. Demographic data cover age, sex, marital status, religious preference, education, employment status, occupation, and income.