Methods
MethodsHypothesis and Theory
There is a negative relationship between support for abortion and the importance
of religion, while controlling party affiliation.
Among males, there is a negative relationship between support for abortion and
the importance of religion.
Among females, there is a negative relationship between support for abortion and
the importance of religion.
A person�s religious background greatly influences whether or not they support
abortion. When religion plays an important role in someone�s life, they are less likely to
support abortion. Most religions strongly disapprove of the taking of someone�s life.
They consider it one of the highest sins a human can commit. They believe that abortion is
considered murder because even a fetus has a spirit so it shall be considered a living
human. When religion plays a less important role in a person�s life, they are more likely to
support abortion. These people are more likely to consider reasons for the abortion rather
than never permitting it. These people tend to look at the women and why she is
requesting the abortion. They are less likely to consider a fetus a living being until it is
born.
The first hypothesis indicates that the higher the importance of religion is to a
person the less supportive they would be of abortion, with regards to that persons political
party affiliation. The party in which a person identifies with will have a direct effect on the
link between support for abortion and the importance of religion. Political parties, as well
as a persons religious background, play a major role in attitudes towards different issues.
By nature, democrats are more likely to approve abortion than republicans. A person�s
religious background usually has an effect on which party they associate themselves with.
Therefore, there must be a link between a person�s party affiliation, religious background,
and their support of abortion.
The second and third hypotheses indicate that gender has an effect on support for
abortion based on their religious beliefs. I believe that men are less likely to approve
abortion than women because of the women�s� movement that has been going on for
years. Many women are more apt to approve of the idea of pro-choice. They want to
decide what is best for them, not some politician in Washington, D.C. A 90�s women is
more independent than say a 50�s women. They are battling for women�s rights.
Abortion is a very controversial issue which directly effects women�s rights. I believe that
men are less likely to support women�s rights because it will take power away from them.
Most of our government positions are held by men. By giving the decision of abortion to
women, it is taking away more of their power over us.
Operationalization
In order to test my hypotheses, I chose two variables and two controls. My
dependent variable was support for abortion. This variable was based on four responses:
never permitted, for rape or incest, if there was a clear health need, and always permitted.
My independent variable was importance of religion. Originally, this variable contained
four...
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