Download This PaperMeasuring Elite Personality Using Speech
Forthcoming, Political Science Research and Methods
88 Pages Posted: 14 May 2015 Last revised: 26 Feb 2016
Date Written: February 15, 2016
Abstract
We apply recent advances in machine learning to measure Congressmember personality traits using floor speeches from 1996-2014. We also demonstrate the superiority of text-based measurement over survey-based measurement by showing that personality traits are correlated with survey response rates for members of Congress. Finally, we provide one empirical application showcasing the importance of personality on Congressional behavior.
Keywords: machine learning, political psychology, Congress, text analysis
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Ramey, Adam and Klingler, Jonathan and Hollibaugh, Gary, Measuring Elite Personality Using Speech (February 15, 2016). Forthcoming, Political Science Research and Methods, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2605644 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2605644
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