ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the inconsistency in attitude measurements, which tend to be based on the questions about one’s personal beliefs regarding corruption. It describes the importance of measurements of implicit association as additional instruments for observing the effects of political scandals on public opinion. Even though, according to surveys, the general public appears to be preoccupied with corruption scandals, a considerable portion of voters tend to forget or forgive the inappropriate behavior of politicians when they cast their vote at the polls. The famous theory of reasoned action might be of some assistance in definitively clarifying the paradox posed by voters’ ethical ambivalence. The effects of corruption scandals seem to vary widely according to the type of incumbent, as well as according to the differing electoral and political systems, political cultures, and so on, concerned. Empirical evidence demonstrates that the media impact of political scandals does not always determine election results.
