What is the difference between latent preferences and intense preferences?
Intense preferences are more strongly held.
Better educated people are more likely to hold latent preferences than less well educated people.
Latent preferences are typically held longer than intense preferences.
Latent preferences are more strongly held.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Intense preferences are more strongly held.
Explanation
In political science and public opinion research, latent preferences and intense preferences are two distinct concepts that help explain how individuals form and express their political attitudes and choices.
Latent preferences are underlying attitudes or opinions that individuals possess but do not actively express unless prompted by specific events, debates, or circumstances. These preferences are “dormant” or not visible in normal political behavior. For example, a person might have a latent preference for environmental protection but may not act on it until a major environmental disaster brings the issue to the forefront. These preferences can be shaped by long-term values, culture, or social context but often remain unspoken or inactive in political participation.
Intense preferences, on the other hand, are strongly held beliefs that significantly influence an individual’s political behavior. People with intense preferences are more likely to take political action—such as voting, protesting, or donating to campaigns—because the issues matter deeply to them. For example, a voter who feels strongly about gun rights or abortion is likely to have intense preferences and make decisions based on those issues.
The key difference lies in how strongly the preference is held and whether it translates into visible political action. Intense preferences are actively held and strongly felt, while latent preferences are less visible and not immediately expressed in political behavior.
The statement “Intense preferences are more strongly held” is correct because it directly identifies the defining characteristic of intense preferences: their emotional strength and influence on behavior.
Other statements are incorrect:
- Latent preferences are not necessarily longer-held than intense ones.
- There is no clear evidence that education level determines whether someone holds latent preferences.
- Latent preferences, by definition, are less strongly held or less active than intense ones.
Understanding these distinctions helps political scientists gauge how public opinion might shift in response to events or policy debates.
