Honduras Deliberation Experiment: Affective Polarization and Perspective Taking

This experimental replication dataset, produced by Eric Kramon for Perspectives on Politics, examines the effects of deliberative discussion on affective polarization in Honduras. The study utilizes a randomized design where participants were assigned to defend either their own policy perspectives or out-partisan viewpoints to measure changes in partisan animus. Data collection concluded with a final update in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Comparing affective polarization scores between the 'own perspective' and 'out-partisan perspective' treatment groups
• Analyzing the role of cognitive empathy as a mediator for reducing partisan animus
• Evaluating the persistence of tolerance levels toward out-partisans following deliberative interventions

Strengths

• Experimental design using random assignment to isolate causal mechanisms
• Focuses on the under-represented geographic context of Honduras
• Includes longitudinal measures to track the persistence of polarization reduction

Limitations

• Geographic bias as findings are specific to the Honduran political environment
• Sample size and record counts are not specified in the metadata
• Potential for social desirability bias in self-reported affect and tolerance metrics

Provenance

Source

Eric Kramon, Perspectives on Politics

Collection Method

Randomized deliberation experiment

Freshness

Last updated March 2026.

Geography

Honduras