video record
Media not available in the Digital Archive
Description
In this programme Professor Michael Drake of The Open University talks about using nineteenth century poll books to trace voting behaviour over a period of time. He looks at poll books from the Bat...h constituency from 1832-41 and outlines a useful method for summarising the material and for analysing the data using the correlation coefficient phi. The conclusion to be drawn from this analysis is that there was very strong voter loyalty to one party in Bath in the 1830s and this in itself raises further questions.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: D301, Historical sources and the social scientist
Item code: D301; 04
First transmission date: 08-05-1974
Published: 1974
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:24
+ Show more...
Producer: Simon Albury
Contributor: Michael Drake
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Bath; Historical sources; Social science; Voting
Footage description: Michael Drake quotes from a book. The programme will deal with aspects of psychology; it takes place in Drake's study. Drake examines some poll books for Bath to show the information they offer. Using those poll books Drake plans to investigate historically the question of consistency of voting behaviour. The voting in the 1841 election in Bath is investigated. Drake explains his methodology. Stills of pages of poll books. Using building toy bricks, Drake suggests a method of examining who voted for each of the two pairs of candidates. Continuing with the bricks he looks at how certain voters voted in 1837, 1835 and 1832. Drake continues with charts etc., to show patterns of voting behaviour, concentrating on the two blocks of candidates: Duncan/Roebuck and Powerscourt/Brudge. Having assembled the relevant data, Drake analyses it to see whether there is a consistency of voting pattern over the previous four elections. Animated sequence of figures using correlation coefficient to work out degree of association of voting. Drake sums up and also asks some questions about the conclusions drawn. Credits.
Master spool number: 6HT/71301
Production number: 00525_2131
Videofinder number: 173
Available to public: no